Portumna manager looks to quiet life

Date Published: 13-Mar-2008

ONE way or the other, it’s the end of the road for Portumna manager Jimmy Heverin this Monday. After the Galway champions All-Ireland club final clash with Birr, he’s off to manage the Craughwell U-10s.

“I have the Craughwell U-10s next year, I might not be under the same pressure,” a relaxed Heverin told the Connacht Tribune this week. And, for the record, he’s not joking. Such have been the demands of managing Portumna for three hectic years.

In this time, he has led the border men to two county and provincial final wins and an All-Ireland club title.

However, with a young family and a city centre sports goods store to run, Heverin has decided to hang up his managerial spurs for the time being — at senior level at least. As a result, the St. Patrick’s Day showdown with Leinster champions and near neighbours Birr is Heverin’s swan song and after the service he has given the club, the team will no doubt be anxious to ensure their mentor can leave on a winning note.

Already, the build-up to Monday’s game is reaching fever pitch down Portumna way. Although cash will be taken on the day, Portumna’s allocation of tickets will be distributed at their clubhouse between 8pm and 9pm on Friday.

For a full interview with Jimmy Heverin and our All-Ireland Club final special see the print or digital editions of this week’s Connacht or City Tribunes