McNamara's reign as Clare boss ends

Mike McNamara's reign as Clare Senior Hurling manager has ended following an emergency meeting of the Clare GAA Board at the West County Hotel in Ennis tonight.

The Scariff clubman's decision has ended weeks of speculation after he tendered his resignation at this evening's meeting.

This comes after weeks of unrest, which was triggered after the players sent an unsigned letter to the Clare County Board meeting on October 27th last expressing their disappointment at the county's lack of progress in 2009.

His offer was accepted with former Clare hurler Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin favoured to succeed McNamara.

It is expected that O'Loughlin will assume the role as early as Thursday, with the twice All-Ireland winner proposed and seconded at tonight's meeting.

The Annual Clare GAA Convention will take place on Thursday at which it is expected that O'Loughlin will be officially ratified.

The Clarecastle native has formerly managed his native club and also the Adare Senior Hurling team in Limerick.