GAA:FOR A county on the brink of hurling anonymity just a year ago Limerick's fortunes continue to rise – and a place in the All-Ireland under-21 final now beckons. No surprise then that forward Kevin Downes, who has shone at both senior and under-21 level this summer, has called for senior manager Donal O'Grady to revise his original intentions and stay on for another year.
O’Grady was brought in late last year to begin the rebuilding process – both hurling and relationship wise – after the fall-out from Justin McCarthy’s doomed period in charge. O’Grady’s deal was “one year only”, but after leading Limerick to the Division Two title, then a respectable championship showing, the requests for him to stay on are coming from all angles.
“It was a massive help to have Donal on board,” says Downes. “Being involved in such a professional set-up has to bring you on, and it’s crucial for Limerick going forward that we keep competing at the highest level.
“I said before I hope Donal stays, but it’s up to Donal, he’ll decide that himself. I’m sure he is talking away about it, but it is up to him. We haven’t discussed anything as a group of players about it. He hasn’t given us any clues. We know no more than anyone and are waiting like everyone.”
In the meantime Downes is focused on Saturday’s under-21 semi-final against Galway, set for Thurles, and having won a first Munster title since 2002 – thanks to an epic win over Cork – Limerick will start as marginal favourites. Although Downes is in danger of missing out with a broken bone in his hand, he reckons Limerick are up for the challenge.
“The Munster final was an incredible game, definitely one of the best games I played in, and hopefully will give us more confidence. But there is no point getting carried away, there are a lot of battles ahead, but it’s important we’re playing at the top level and winning at the top level.”
While the expectation is that O’Grady will remain on board, the future of Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh will be decided by a six-man club and county executive committee, agreed on Tuesday night.
Walsh’s term is up, but he may yet be considered again as the committee – to include three executive members plus three club delegates – look to find a replacement. The three club delegates elected to the task are Pat Horgan (Midleton), Michael Byrnes (Ballyhea) and former Cork football selector John Corcoran (St Mary’s), while the county board executive has yet to select its three representatives.
Galway hurling manager John McIntyre, who still has a year to go on his term, will make a presentation to club delegates on September 6th which may well decide whether or not he does remain on for 2012. Meanwhile, Leitrim have re-appointed Mickey Moran as their football manager for a fourth year.
