Limerick worried Allen ready to walk away

Limerick GAA bosses are worried hurling manager John Allen will step down just after the county hurlers have had their best season in almost two decades.

The Shannonsiders won a first Munster SHC since 1996 and although they went down to neighbours Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final, the team is viewed as having improved significantly under Allen’s stewardship over the past two seasons.

Yesterday, Limerick County Board sources said they were hopeful Allen, who led Cork to All-Ireland success in 2005 and to the All-Ireland final again the following year, can be persuaded to stay on for 2014.

However, given the St Finbarr’s clubman only served as manager of Cork for two seasons — bowing out after the ’06 All-Ireland final defeat to Kilkenny — Limerick GAA chiefs are concerned he may not seek to have his period in charge of the side extended. Although the dispute over the Limerick minor hurlers’ appeal for a replay has grabbed headlines since the seniors’ All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Clare, Limerick County Board chairman Oliver Mann has already expressed his enthusiasm for Allen continuing as Limerick manager for next year.

The Limerick management as a whole will meet with county board officials to review the year shortly.

Allen is expected to propose potential replacements when he does step down, with Galbally native John Kiely, a current selector, among the favourites to step up and take the bainisteoir’s bib.

Meanwhile, Tipperary GAA chiefs are considering an expansion of their senior hurling backroom team.

Eddie Enright, who currently manages the UCC Fitzgibbon Cup team, is understood to be in line for a new role within manager Eamon O’Shea’s management team.