Baker selected for Offaly role

Former Clare hurler Ollie Baker has been put forward as the new Offaly senior hurling manager, following a recommendation from the selection committee involved.

Baker, who works as a garda sergeant in Tullamore, will be formally ratified as the new Faithfuls boss at their November County Board meeting.

He will take over from Joe Dooley who resigned in late June after four years in charge of his native county.

Offaly officials have opted for an outsider this time, with Baker, a winner of two All-Ireland titles as a player in 1995 and 1997, having most recently worked with Antrim.

He was a selector with the Saffrons last year under Dinny Cahill, and has also gained experience as a selector/coach with Westmeath and a selector with Clare during Mike McNamara's reign.

Baker will have fellow Clare man Alan Cunningham on board as coach in the new-look Offaly set-up.

He is expected to reveal his chosen selectors in the coming days.