Some managerial appointments look for continuity, others for fresh starts, and then there is Donal O’Grady’s return to Limerick hurling. Not only does it maintain the neat little merry-go-round within the county but also O’Grady’s ease of transition between punditry and management.
The former Cork and Limerick manager went before last night’s meeting of the Limerick County Board in Claughaun for ratification along with former Limerick captain TJ Ryan, who acted as O’Grady’s selector during his previous term in charge, which ended in 2011.
They were nominated as joint managers, although the exact workings of the relationship may be clarified later.
To return
O'Grady feels the time is right to return to the position he vacated in 2011, only to be replaced by John Allen – who also followed O'Grady as Cork manager, in 2005. O'Grady had guided Cork to the All-Ireland in 2004, and Allen did likewise in 2005.
Now after Allen decided not to seek another term in charge of Limerick, despite leading them to a first Munster title since 1996, the job goes back to O’Grady, albeit with Ryan, who managed Limerick U-21’s this year, for company.
Ryan played for Limerick from 1994 to 2006, including in two losing All-Ireland finals, in 1994 and 1996.
O’Grady was not initially considered one of the front-runners for the position, especially after he’d returned to his punditry role in both print and TV media.
This year’s physical trainer Mark Lyons from Kilmallock and Paul Beary from Na Piarsaigh have been confirmed as the two selectors.
Limerick have also agreed the ratification of new football manager John Brudair, to be joined by selectors Mike Fahy and Declan Brouder, with coaches Diarmuid Mullins and Brian Carson and physical trainer Mikey Kiely.
Recently retired Cork All-Ireland-winning footballer Paudie Kissane is to join up with new Clare football manager Colm Collins, to act as team trainer. Collins – father of All-Ireland winning hurler Podge – was appointed last month in succession to Mick O’Dwyer. Outgoing selector Ger Keane is remaining on.
Former Munster rugby player Chris Delooze has been named as strength and conditioning coach.
Also, former Down boss and Ireland International Rules managerPete McGrath has been appointed as new Fermanagh football manager, taking over from Peter Canavan,
