Photograph: ©INPHO/Evan Treacy
CLARE’s camogie board have said they issued no statement regarding the sudden resignation of the senior and junior camogie managements “because a recruitment process was initiated”.
In the past fortnight, circulation was issued to camogie clubs in the county informing them that the search to find new senior and junior managements was underway.
Conor Dolan and John Carmody were joint managers of the sides, the seniors had to win a relegation play/off against Offaly to secure their status having contested the Munster Final with All-Ireland finalists Cork. The Juniors tasted provincial glory but lost out in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Dolan and Carmody were joined on their ticket by Éanna Mulvihill, Colm Fitzgerald, Eugene Foudy, Ann Marie McGann and Brendan Foley.
Meelick native Dolan who has taken charge of the O’Callaghans Mills senior hurlers along with Fitzgerald following the conclusion of Clare’s campaigns had been involved for two years as a coach under Ger O’Connell before stepping down.
A deadline of August 31st had been set by the County Board for individuals to submit an expression of interest but this process was advertised only via clubs.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare Camogie PRO Brid MacNamara outlined that the “same process as has been place for the last seven to eight years” will be followed when it comes to the appointment of the 2023 management. “Individuals who wish to submit an expression of interest can do so by emailing Clare Camogie secretary on or before 31st Aug. A selection panel will meet with those individuals who have expressed an interest and then the panel will make a recommendation to the Executive of Clare Camogie. The Executive will bring this recommendation to a full meeting of Clare Camogie Board for ratification”.
On reasons behind the departure of the outgoing management, the Ruan native stated that their “term was completed”. She said there was no underlying factors behind any of the exits.
When questioned why no public statement was issued by the Camogie Board on the exits, Brid said, “There’s been no statement because a recruitment process was initiated and circulated to the Camogie Clubs”.
The Clare Echo understands that outgoing joint manager is in contention for the vacancy. He previously served as senior manager guiding them to a provincial title. He was manager of the Kilmaley senior hurlers when they won the Clare SHC in 2004, spent four seasons in charge of the Crusheen senior hurlers and had a two year term as manager of the Clare U21 hurlers.
Tipperary native, David Sullivan is also understood to be interested in the role. He oversaw Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s county and provincial senior success in 2021 and this season has been over club hurling and camogie teams in Offaly and Galway.