New physical trainer for county footballers

If outgoing Clare senior football manager Micheál McDermott is re-appointed for 2012, 25-year-old Tralee-based sports scientist Micheál Cahill will be brought in as part of the management team.
McDermott was the only nomination received by the Clare County Board for the manager’s job. The deadline for nominations was Wednesday. However, it is understood that McDermott is currently undecided about his future as Clare manager, whether he was nominated or not.
Meanwhile, The Clare Champion has learned that Cahill, who is from Limerick, has been recommended to McDermott by former Kerry trainer Pat Flanagan. Cahill has played football for Limerick at minor, U-21 and senior level. He studied for his sports science degree at Tralee IT and has since obtained a masters in sports and fitness. He also spent three summers in the US working with American football teams. It is envisaged that outgoing mentors Liam McHale and James Foran will be part of the Clare management team in the coming year, although McHale’s role may be confined to that of forwards coach.  
Former Kerry, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow manager Mick O’Dwyer was telephoned by two Clare club members with a view to ascertaining his interest in taking over the Clare footballers.
O’Dwyer didn’t rule out becoming involved but he stipulated he would only allow his name to go forward if outgoing manager Micheál McDermott withdrew. Attempts by one of the aforementioned club members to contact O’Dwyer again on Wednesday morning proved unsuccessful and O’Dwyer was not subsequently nominated.
However, The Clare Champion has learned that informal telephone discussions on Tuesday night between Clare panel members favoured the retention of McDermott as manager for a third year.
The next county board meeting will be held on Tuesday at 8pm in the West County Hotel, Ennis.