*Ephie Fitzgerald & Ger Keane. Photograph: John Meyler
Former Clare senior footballer, Ger Keane has been recruited as coach to the county’s ladies football side.
James Murrihy has enlisted the services of the five time McGrath Cup winner to succeed DJ Collins who stepped down from the role following the conclusion of Clare’s 2019 season with an All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Tipperary in August.
Keane spent three years as a selector with the Clare senior footballers coming on board as a selector with Michael Neylon to Mick O’Dwyer during 2013. He stayed for two further years as Colm Collins began his tenure.
22nd June 1997 is remembered as one of the great days in the history of gaelic football in the county. Ger was top scorer and took the quick free that led to Martin Daly getting the decisive goal as Clare defeated Cork 1-14 1-13 in the Munster SFC semi-final.
One of the most respected coaches in the county, Ger is an English and History teacher at St Caimins Community School in Shannon. Two of his staff colleagues, Niamh O’Dea and Carol O’Leary are part of the county panel.
Kilmihil’s Enda O’Halloran is staying on as selector as is goalkeeper coach Conor Shannon of St Breckans and nutritionist Clodagh Murphy. Paul Dunne and Aiden Moynihan will have responsibility for strength and conditioning. Murrihy’s side begin their National League campaign on January 26th at home to Armagh.
Meanwhile, the county team are on the search for an official jersey sponsor for the season ahead. A jersey sponsorship draw is being carried out where prospective businesses can pay €500 to enter. All entrants will receive exclusive invites to championship player meet and greet events, ten tickets to all home National League games, acknowledgement on social media plus the use of players for promotional events.
Officers within Clare LGFA say the sponsorship package has a potential advertising market value of €5000 and a social media reach of 500,000. Thursday January 23rd is the closing date for entries with funds to go towards training gear, player nutrition and transport. Interested businesses can make further enquiries to Kevin Callinan at 087 6744179.
