Davy Fitzgerald became the first high profile manager in 2021 to leave his post when he parted ways with Wexford after they were knocked out of this years championship last month. The man on the opposition sideline that day was Fitzgerald's former teammate turned nemesis Brian Lohan of Clare. Last night Clare GAA made a statement that the Wolf Tones man would be offered another three years pending ratification.
At a meeting of the Clare County Board officers it was unanimously agreed that Brian Lohan be offered a new three year term as Senior Hurling manager.
This recommendation has to be approved by a full meeting of Clare County Board. Brian Lohan is aware of this recommendation. pic.twitter.com/y2gCFFGfrf— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) August 23, 2021
The last line of that statement being quite peculiar.
Another man who's future is uncertain is Waterford boss and Tipperary native Liam Cahill. To say Cahill is hot property would be an understatement, having reached the 2020 All-Ireland Final with the Déise as well as this years semi final.
Reports say that the Tipperary county board have been in contact with the former Thurles Sarsfields player to replace the retiring Liam Sheedy. However it is also said that Cahill has held talks to extend his term as Waterford manager, with this looking the more likely outcome at this stage taking into consideration the age profile of the two squads, Waterford with a far more youthful team.
Other candidates for the Tipperary job include current Antrim boss and former Tipp goalkeeper Darren Gleeson, who has had a lot of success with the men from the Glen in the last two years, winning the Joe McDonagh Cup and claiming a famous victory over Clare in division one of the league in 2021. (update: Tue, 24th 8.36 am) Gleeson has committed his future to the Antrim hurlers for 2022.
Another former All-Ireland winning goalkeeper tipped up for the job is Brendan Cummins, however he has given his backing for Liam Cahill to come in as boss, possibly taking himself out of contention.
Elsewhere there is a vacancy in the Kingdom where Fintan O'Connor parted ways with the Kerry hurlers after two consecutive final losses in the Joe McDonagh Cup. Coincidentally, Brendan Cummins had been part of the set-up in Kerry for a number of years before leaving his role as a coach in 2020.
The team who defeated Kerry in the Joe McDongah Cup final also go in search of a new manager. Westmeath will look to replace the outgoing Shane O'Brien who stepped away just weeks after winning the second tier competition.
With high profile coaches such as Eddie Brennan, Derek McGrath and an ever present in the inter-county rumour mill Anthony Daly all available, there are plenty of options for county boards around the country.
