Way clear for Walsh to take Galway job

Kevin Walsh’s ascension to the position of Galway football manager is a foregone conclusion after Pete Warren withdrew his candidacy.

Warren, who served as selector to John O’Mahony during the county’s last two All-Ireland final triumphs, pulled out of the running on Wednesday night, clearing the path for Walsh to take the reins.

The two men were the sole pair nominated by the clubs and the decision of Warren not to contest the role leaves Walsh as the one remaining candidate to replace Alan Mulholland.

The former Galway midfielder and Sligo manager was interviewed by the seven-person committee on Wednesday and a leading board official yesterday confirmed that “barring one or two terms which need to be agreed” the job is Walsh’s.

The meeting of Walsh and the management committee was a positive one, with no major stumbling block in terms of resources or training facilities arrived at.

Walsh relayed the names of his two selectors to the selection group and it is understood that neither were members of the 1998 or 2001 All-Ireland winning team.

The three-time All Star recipient will be proposed for ratification as the new Galway manager at the next meeting of the County Board on Monday, September 29.

Meanwhile, Liam McHale says he will quit his coaching position with Roscommon outfit St Brigid’s if Mayo chiefs select Kevin McStay as their new football manager.

“I’ve been involved with St Brigid’s for the last three years and it’s been a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but if Kevin [McStay] is chosen as the new Mayo manager, he wants me to join up with him as his coach and so I wouldn’t be able to continue on with St Brigid’s,” he confirmed.

“Because of his involvement with The Sunday Game Kevin was out of team management for the best part of 10 years. When he came back he did a great job with St Brigid’s and I was proud to be part of his backroom team. Kevin and myself share a similar philosophy about football and so I had no hesitation when he asked me to join up with him in his bid to become the next Mayo manager.”

Nominations were being received up until last night and the interview process will begin shortly afterwards.