McIntyre gets Offaly post again

John McIntyre was ratified as the new Offaly hurling manager on Monday night - seven years after he had to vacate the postion after one season in charge.

The former Tipperary player has been given a two-year term and takes over from Clare man Mike McNamara.

Galway-based McIntyre will finalise his backroom team in the coming days, but has confirmed that he will be looking within the county.

McIntyre was in charge of Offaly in 1997 but was ousted after they lost the Leinster semi-final to then All-Ireland champions Wexford by three points, having been 10 points down at one stage.

Wexford 'keeper Damien Fitzhenry was outstanding that day, and the departure of McIntyre was seen at the time as unfair.

He has enjoyed considerable success at club level, having led Galway side Clarinbridge to the 2002 All-Ireland club final, which they lost to Birr.