Barry nets Meath job

Eamonn Barry has tonight been voted in as Meath's first "new" football manager since 1982.

Barry's long-standing predecessor Sean Boylan sensationally turned down the chance to put his name forward for a 24th year in charge last week, leaving the way for Barry to romp home in tonight's vote in Navan.

Current Walterstown boss Barry had been defeated by Boylan in a vote for the past three seasons.

Twelve months ago, Boylan, who led the Royals through a disappointing 2004 championship campaign, claimed a 50-37 win over Barry.

That decision angered Barry enough for him to accuse the Meath County Committee chairman Fintan Ginnity of allegedly canvassing for Boylan.

Tonight, in the Ardboyne Hotel, hot favourite Barry won the vote, beating nearest rival Paddy Carr by 57-25. Meath Under-21 manager Benny Reddy claimed 7 votes.

51% was the initial target for the winner of the vote, which Barry easily won.

The former Dunshaughlin supremo is expected to piece together his backroom staff for the 2006 season in the coming weeks.