Moloney and O’Connor top managers

Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor have been named the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Managers of the Year for 2012.

The pair, who masterminded Clare’s All-Ireland U21 hurling win in September, receive the trophy at a gala dinner in the Malton Hotel, Killarney tonight.

Clare beat Kilkenny in a thriller in Semple Stadium to land their second title at the grade. The pair are no strangers to success, guiding Banner to Munster MHC glory in 2010 and 2011.

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Ambassador Ger Cunningham said: “Watching this spectacular Clare team win the Bord Gáis Energy U21 championship you just knew they were a talented side with a superbly organised backroom team led brilliantly by Donal and Gerry. They have developed the stars of the future and I congratulate them.”

Munster Council Chairman Sean Walsh said: “The Clare U21 hurlers success shows there is a bright future for hurling in the Banner. The character shown by these hurlers in the final minutes of the Munster final and the second half of the All-Ireland was crucial and this has been instilled by Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor.”