Clubs still searching for management teams

WITH the start-up date for the 2013 Clare GAA season fast approaching, a number of clubs are still without team managements.

In hurling, St Joseph’s (Doora-Barefield), Kilmaley, Éire Óg and Tubber are all still searching for backroom teams. Cratloe have yet to hold their annual meeting but it is expected that Joe McGrath will be asked to continue for another term.

Ciarán O’Neill, last year’s hurling manager with St Joseph’s, will be in charge of the Doonbeg senior footballers in 2013. The Doora-Barefield club, whose football team will again be managed by Mark Raftery, have yet to find a replacement.

Kilmaley are also searching for a manager for 2013. Outgoing mentor, John Carmody, who managed the side to championship success in 2004, will be at the helm in Crusheen. Niall Romer, manager of the Kilmaley minor A winning side, is currently serving a six-month suspension. PJ Kennedy, another former team manager, is linked with the position and there is also speculation that Conor Clancy, a member of last year’s selection committee, might take on the role.

Pat O’Connor’s decision to step down from the manager’s post in Tubber wasn’t expected, having just led the club to the Senior B crown. It is understood that pressure is being put on the former Clare player to re-consider.
Éire Óg are also finding it difficult to get a management team to succeed Tony Nugent, who was in charge for the past three years, during which time they won the intermediate title and got back up to senior. James Hanrahan is to continue as the club’s senior football manager.

Senior football club Shannon Gaels have yet to appoint their management team for the coming season.