Cleary still loving management game

John Cleary is an old hand at the U21 management game.

For the ninth successive season, the Castlehaven man will be involved in steering a Cork U21 football squad into Munster championship action when they face Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn tonight (7.30pm).

Cleary started out in 2004 as a selector under Tony Leahy before taking the manager’s bib in 2008. Two Munster titles and an All-Ireland crown later, and Cleary is still revelling in the role.

“It’s something I find hugely enjoyable,’’ Cleary said. “The season is very short and compact with the real cut and thrust of championship knockout involved. You’re dealing to a large extent with a different team every year. When you’ve a crop of new guys willing to learn, it brings a freshness to it.”

Bringing a group of talented young players together and attempting to prepare them brings it own challenges. Five of Cleary’s team — Damien Cahalane, John Cronin, Tomas Clancy, Rory O’Sullivan and Brian Hurley — were all in club championship action last weekend. Many of his squad have been tied up with Sigerson Cup action in recent months while Cronin and David Drake had a Fitzgibbon Cup campaign with Cork IT.

“We did a good bit of work early on in January,” said Cleary. “But since we’ve been all over the place with all the colleges action and the club scene kicking in. Having five of the starting line-up playing last weekend was disappointing. But we just have to accept these complications.”

Having seven of last year’s side to call on tonight strengthens Cleary’s options while the return of Rory O’Sullivan (cruciate) and Brian Hurley (back) from injury problems is another boost. “They’ve come back to full fitness again and it’s a very good boost for us to have lads of their talent on board.”

Cleary is wary of the challenge posed by Clare, having witnessed their win over Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds a fortnight ago.

“Going into that game Limerick were supposed to be favourites but I felt Clare were by far the better team. They’re a team we certainly will respect and we’ll have to be at our very best.”