Louis Mulqueen has withdrawn his name from the contest to become Clare senior hurling manager leaving just Brian Lohan in the reckoning.
As per the request of club delegates, the process of appointing the successor to Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor recommenced and the deadline for applications closed on Monday evening. A committee comprising of Joe Cooney, Michael O’Connor, Michael O’Neill, Colm Honan and Niall Romer were due to interview both nominees, The Clare Echo understands Mulqueen was not interviewed before withdrawing.
A selector with the All-Ireland winning side of 2013 and a coach to the 2002 team which reached the All-Ireland final, Louis also led Liam Mellows to Galway SHC glory last year. His decision to withdraw his name has come as a surprise.
He issued a statement to Clare GAA on Wednesday evening. “This week I am concentrating on the Galway Club Semi Final. It has been an honour to have been nominated for the position of Clare Senior Hurling manager and I am grateful for the overwhelming support and good wishes coming in from all sources. I now, after careful consideration have decided that I am currently not in a position to allow my name to go forward. I wish the new manager and Clare hurling all the best”.
It now leaves Brian Lohan as the only candidate left in the reckoning. The two time All-Ireland champion and four time All Star previously led UL to Fitzgibbon Cup glory and was part of the Cratloe management that oversaw their success in the 2014 Clare SHC.