Six in the running for Galway hurling manager’s job

WITH six candidates nominated for the vacant Galway senior hurling manager’s position, the race is on to make the high profile appointment before the Tribesmen line out in their first competitive fixture of 2016 in just over a month’s time.

As expected, the hurling fraternity’s favourite Micheál Donoghue (Clarinbridge) and former coach Mattie Kenny have emerged as the frontrunners, with former U-21 and intermediate boss Johnny Kelly (Portumna) also entering the race.

Three others have been nominated from left field, with Athenry’s John Hardiman, who recently helped Sarsfields to their first county senior hurling title in 18 years, arguably emerging as the biggest threat to Donoghue and Kenny for the position.

In addition to his county title success, Hardiman led the Galway minors to All-Ireland titles in 1999 and 2000 and later served as coach and selector under John McIntyre’s regime between 2009 and 2011.

The other two candidates are former stars Gerry McInerney – the Kinvara native now affiliated to Oranmore/Maree and an All-Ireland senior title winner in 1987 and 1988 – and Kiltormer’s Justin Campbell, who earlier this year led Roscommon to the Nicky Rackard Cup title with victory over Armagh.

Indeed, in the absence of a Galway senior manager, Campbell takes charge of the Connacht hurlers for their inter-provincial clash with Ulster at Pearse Stadium on Saturday (12:30pm), alongside Noel Larkin, who was Campbell’s coach at Roscommon and previously guided Portumna to the All-Ireland club title. Damien Joyce (Cappataggle) and Joe Mannion (Four Roads) complete Connacht’s management team.

Following the announcement of the candidates, it remains to be seen if all six will leave their proverbial hat in the ring. At any rate, Donoghue, who was part of Éamon O’Shea’s Tipperary backroom set-up in recent years, remains the strong favourite.

Kenny, though, should enjoy some traction with the interview panel – believed to comprise of five people, including County Chairman Noel Treacy and Secretary John Hynes – after his county title winning exploits with Dublin outfit Cuala.

Extended coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.