Cunningham confirmed as new Galway hurling manager

Date Published: 28-Oct-2011

CIARAN TIERNEY

CURRENT U-21 boss Anthony Cunningham was appointed manager of the Galway senior hurling team for the next three years at a specially convened meeting of the Hurling Board in Athenry on Thursday night.

The 46-year old St Thomas’ clubman, who guided the U-21s to All-Ireland glory against Dublin last month, saw off the claims of rival candidates Micheal Donoghue (Clarinbridge) and Johnny Kelly (Portumna) .

The new manager was due to be unveiled to club delegates on Monday night, but the selection committee asked for extra time to conclude their deliberations before Thursday’s meeting was called for the Raheen Woods Hotel.

With Donoghue, his main rival for the position, currently in Australia with the Clarinbridge Club, The Hurling Board delegates are set to be asked by the interview committee to ratify Cunningham for a three year term – subject to a review after his second year.

Outgoing manager John McIntyre stepped down last month following a disappointing third year in charge in which the team suffered demoralising defeats to Dublin in the Leinster championship and Waterford in the All-Ireland quarter-final in July.

As was the case with McIntyre three years ago, the strength of his backroom team may have swung the issue for Kilchreest native Cunningham, who guided Westmeath senior football side Garrycastle to a county title just last weekend.

Cunningham put his name forward as part of a three man ‘package’ along with Mattie Kenny (Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry) and Tom Helebert (Gort), the men who helped him guide the U21s to the All-Ireland title in Thurles last month.

Based in Athlone, Cunningham also sought the senior position three years ago. He impressed the Hurling Board so much in 2008 that they gave him the U-21 job and there has been a perception that he has been ‘blooded’ for the senior job since then.

Delivering an All-Ireland at the grade at the third attempt – following the huge controversy over the game against Tipperary in Thurles last year – was seen as a key factor in his bid to land the senior job this time around.

Hurling Board Chairman Joe Byrne told Tribune Sport on Wednesday that the ratification of the new manager had been put back by 48 hours because there were a number of details to be finalised by the selection committee.

“We met last night to finalise our decision,” said Byrne. “The appointment will be for a three year term, with a review after two years.