Former Limerick skipper Donal O’Grady set for minor manager job

A selector for John Kiely's senior set-up, the former Treaty star is in line to take over from Shane Dowling. 

Limerick Limerick selector Donal O’Grady and Gearoid Hegarty. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Limerick senior hurling selector Donal O’Grady is set to become the county’s new minor manager.

The former Treaty captain is in line to take over from his old team-mate Shane Dowling. O’Grady has been a selector to John Kiely since 2020 during which time Limerick have claimed four-in-a-row All-Irelands and five Munster crowns.

Kiely is expected to make several changes to his managerial set-up after he and coach Paul Kinnerk agreed earlier this month to remain at the helm for another two seasons.

Selectors Alan Cunningham, Aonghus O’Brien and John Flavin were also part of the outgoing set-up along with performance coach Joe O’Connor and head of strength and conditioning Cairbre Ó Cairealláin.

Meanwhile, nine-time All-Ireland SHC winner Tommy Walsh has emerged as a possible selector for Derek Lyng as he goes about reconstructing his management team for 2025.

Walsh’s name as well as those of Michael Kavanagh and Tommy Shefflin have been mentioned as Lyng replaces Peter Barry and Conor Phelan who along with strength and conditioning coach Michael Comerford won’t be involved next season.

Elsewhere, new Meath senior football manager Robbie Brennan said the new playing rules will dictate how the team set out their stall.

Speaking to the county’s official GAA website, the Kilmacud Crokes boss was keeping his powder dry but mentioned coach Martin Corey has been charged with studying how Meath will adopt to the proposed changes by the Football Review Committee.

“There’s no one particular style particularly with the new rules. We have to see how that sets up for everybody, for other counties as well. Tactically, we’d like to think we’ll be where we need to be.” 

About former Monaghan coach Corey, Brennan added: “There are some exciting times ahead and things we need to figure out and make sure we’re not caught by some of the other counties in that prep so Martin’s already looking at that.” 

Finally, Wexford GAA have insisted U16s will only be admitted to games for free when accompanied by an adult at Chadwicks Wexford Park. The move follows a number of what they described as “concerning incidents” at the stadium.

The county board have stressed they reserve the right “to eject those found engaging in unacceptable behaviour.” A statement read: “Wexford GAA seeks to provide a safe and family atmosphere for all attending our games, and will take all necessary steps to achieve this. There will be zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour.”