Beary now proving a perfect fit for revitalised Shannonsiders

When Donal O’Grady stepped down from his position with Limerick on April 22, there was panic in the county, real fears that the vacuum created couldn’t be filled in time for the challenge they faced against Tipperary in Thurles in the Munster semi-final.

Into the first breech stepped TJ Ryan, taking full control. His first major solo managerial act? Appointing Paul Beary as coach.

Outside of Limerick, the reaction was ‘Paul who?’ Inside Limerick though, it was a popular appointment, the Na Piarsaigh clubman well known in local circles, having coached the club team to its first senior county title and following it up with a Munster success in 2011. That feat was repeated last year, and it made him the obvious choice to come into the management team as a selector.