Noelle dons manager’s bib for the first time

Although Clare ladies’ senior football manager Noelle Comyn has been clocking up considerable mileage since her appointment on December 6, she is not well disposed towards self-congratulations. Instead, the Dublin-based Tubber woman, who won nine senior football championships with Fergus Rovers and an All-Star in 2001, is much more interested in noting how committed her players are.
“The commute from Dublin to Clare is not an issue as once I accepted responsibility for the post of manager, I made a commitment to doing whatever was necessary to ensure that the girls were my number one priority. Players have given their time and commitment so my commuting is a bigger talking issue for others rather than myself,” Noelle told The Clare Champion this week, noting that she tries to utilise her time on the M7 planning and plotting a way forward for Clare.
“I try to spend my time effectively, making the necessary phone calls, thinking things through and getting ready for the next session. Travel, time and commitments can be treated positively or negatively but I want to give my best shot and move forward,” she reflected.
Noelle moved to Dublin in 2004 and played for them until 2010, when a second cruciate knee operation stymied her lengthy inter-county career.
“I am just hitting six months after the second cruciate operation so I have only played cameo roles in four games since August 2010,” the Ballyboden St Enda’s player revealed. At club level, Noelle has won four Dublin senior Club Football Championships, three Leinster senior club titles and two All-Ireland Senior Club championships.
She is joined on the Clare management team by Darragh Kelly and Kieran Harvey.
“Darragh is a noted footballer in his own right and he has the added experience of taking the West Clare Gaels ladies’ football team to All-Ireland club success in 2010.Darragh is an outstanding coach and his energy and enthusiasm is clear to be seen by all involved,” the manager stated.
“Kieran Harvey has also stepped into the breach and is currently the county minor ladies’ manager so it will be of huge benefit to work with Kieran and some of his minor squad for the upcoming games. He has a wealth of knowledge on the players within the county. Girls tend to develop as footballers faster than boys so the age profile of the minor girls slotting into the senior squad is not an issue. They are a credit to themselves and their families in how they are developing, while the senior squad members have been role models in encouraging them along and looking out for their welfare as young athletes,” Noelle noted.
Having played for as long as she could, Noelle says she had half an eye on management in latter years.
“Management has always been part of the bigger picture of my sporting career but I do feel that one should learn as much as possible as a player, as your transition becomes easier from your mindset of how you see things from a player’s perspective and how the backroom team operates. I don’t believe anybody ever influenced me to get into management but when you surround yourself in that environment all your life, I believe it becomes a natural transition for somebody who embraces a serious challenge. But it’s not for all, as it bears a huge responsibility and commitment but if we see progression, improvement and honesty, the effort by all involved will be paid back in multitude,” she maintained.
“I have been through a few teams at both club and county and each is different in approach. One can learn lessons; the good, the not so good and the thin line that defines success or failure. Nobody has all the cards to deal a perfect hand but my wish is that we can deal the best one available to step up, close the gap and be happy with ourselves as a squad,” Noelle said.
As Clare prepare for their first NFL game of 2012 in Doonbeg on Sunday, their new manager has huge confidence in the character and ambition of her players.
“Many have come through good underage success and know how to win while the senior girls have the hunger and desire to drive forward in their quest to be the best they can. I feel the current mix is excellent. Clubs have also had massive success in their own right. All in all, the players that have made themselves available have been credible, honest and trustworthy. They want to wear the crest and represent Clare at the top level.”
One of the obstacles county management teams have to deal with is securing somewhere to train. The Clare ladies have trained in several parts of the county and Noelle is grateful to clubs who have made their facilities available.
“Preparations have gone very well considering we have only been together a short period of time. Ideally, we should have had another month’s work behind us but situations are not always ideal so you move on and make the most of what you have got. Doonbeg, Killimer and most recently Kildysart have been very kind and respectful to our squad in allowing us access to their facilities.
“This has been noted and appreciated greatly and it’s good to see that a helpful touch prevails towards the ladies’ senior squad, who are working hard to step up. We have also used the facilities in Lees Road and Gurteen, so we have been on the move,” Noelle said.
As for her style of management, if the Clare players can reflect her approach, Noelle Comyn will seamlessly trade playing for managing.
“I don’t believe I have inherited any particular style of management. I am my own woman. I want the players to be the best they can be, not to accept sub-standards and for all to engage in an honest and respectful manner. After that, the results will take care of themselves,” the Clare ladies’ bainisteoir, a Munster championship winner with Clare in 2001, predicted.