GAELIC GAMES NEWS ROUND-UP:CORK LAST night deferred decisions on the appointment of managers to the senior football and hurling teams. The next meeting of the county board is in a fortnight's time.
Although the sub-committee to appoint the hurling manager hasn't formally finalised a decision, it is believed the outgoing Gerald McCarthy will be offered a new two-year appointment despite speculation he would step down once his initial two-year term expired after the team lost August's All-Ireland semi-final to eventual champions Kilkenny.
Football manager Conor Counihan is likely to be asked to continue and offered a two-year appointment after taking over late last season and in controversial circumstances but managing to take the team to a Munster championship and a replayed All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry.
Meanwhile, in Limerick Justin McCarthy was as expected appointed as the county's new senior hurling manager. His selectors will be Liam Garvey of the Hospital-Herbertstown club and Brian Ryan of South Liberties.
The county footballers will again be managed by Mickey O'Sullivan whose selectors will be Paddy Ivess and Joe Redington.
Another appointment due this week is the Galway hurling manager. Outgoing Ger Loughnane is up for ratification tomorrow evening in Athenry and yesterday he received the backing of hurling board secretary John Fahey, who was critical of attempts to undermine the Clare man. "Ger Loughnane was given a three-year term when he took the job and I believe he will given the green light. But I am sickened that some elements in Galway hurling are out in the county since last Friday canvassing for his removal."
In recent weeks a management team led by former Offaly All-Ireland winning boss Michael Bond and which includes Joe Cooney, Steve Mahon and Michael Coleman, declared an interest if a vacancy arose. Former All-Ireland winning Portumna manager Jimmy Heverin, along with former Galway double All-Ireland winner Anthony Cunningham, have also said they would be interested if the position became vacant.
Meanwhile Carlow County Board heard that the senior football team had cost € 235,000 in 2008, an increase of € 106,000 on the previous year. The county hurlers, winners of the Christy Ring Cup, saw an increase of €136,000 on last year.
County chair Pat Deering agreed it was not sustainable, but it would be addressed with team managements. Delegates also voiced concern at the poor return from the senior football team despite the huge financial outlay.
In Meath, Matt Kerrigan, who held the position before Seán Boylan took over in 1982 and also managed Westmeath and Cavan, has emerged as a surprise contender to succeed Colm Coyle as Meath football team manager.
After Eamonn O'Brien, a selector with Boylan for the 1996 and '99 All-Ireland triumphs, and former Westmeath and Longford manager Luke Dempsey, had been the front-runners to fill the vacancy, the interview board is now keen to talk to Kerrigan.
An Australian International Rules under-23 team, currently on tour in Ireland, are due to play a Donaghmore-Ashbourne selection on Saturday in Donaghmore-Ashbourne, Co Meath, at 7pm. The home side will comprise their senior footballers as well as a selection of former intercounty players, including Darren Fay (Meath), Graham Geraghty (Meath), Niall Kelly (Meath) and Johnny Magee (Dublin). Current intercounty players, such as Caomhin King (Meath), will also play depending on club fixtures.
