The inter-county season may have only concluded last Sunday but, already, there are a dozen managerial vacancies to be filled.
And the likelihood is that more will emerge in the coming weeks as counties take stock.
The most high profile job of them all, the Dublin senior football manager’s position, may well need to be filled before too long as doubts persist as to whether or not Dessie Farrell will continue after three largely regressive years at the helm.
Read more: From Tullysaran to Tralee: How two Armagh men helped Kerry win the Sam Maguire
Should he step aside, Pat Gilroy will be touted for a return to the hotseat a decade after his four-year reign came to a close, particularly given that Dublin secretary John Costello maintains a close relationship with him.
There’s been an element of musical chairs about the managerial scene already, with Andy McEntee taking up the Antrim job only weeks after quitting Meath, where he was replaced this week by Colm O’Rourke.
And Liam Cahill was rubberstamped as the new Tipperary manager within a week of Colm Bonnar being removed from the position, which came at a time when Cahill was still in situ in Waterford.
Meanwhile, John Cleary, having served in an interim capacity, was confirmed as Cork senior football manager for the next three years last week after it emerged that Keith Ricken would not be returning to the role.
For now at least, the counties that are actively seeking a new manager are as follows:
Football
Mayo
Betting has been suspended on Ray Dempsey being appointed as James Horan’s successor and it is rumoured locally that the Knockmore man has recruited Crossmolina resident and ex-Kerry footballer Paul Galvin as part of his prospective backroom team. Despite all of that, there appear to be more credible candidates in the shake-up.
Chief among them are 2016 All-Ireland under-21 winning manager Mike Solan, currently part of Andy Moran’s management team in Leitrim, and former Mayo boss Stephen Rochford.
Declan Shaw, joint-manager when Castlebar Mitchels won three county titles from 2015-17 has also been nominated, with the cut-off for applications falling tomorrow.
Donegal
Declan Bonner stepped down last week and the county board has set August 15 as the deadline for clubs to nominate a potential successor.
Depending on how things play out with Mayo, Bonner’s coach Stephen Rochford may be an option, though the much sought after Malachy O’Rourke will surely be considered.
Rory Kavanagh, who led St Eunan’s to last year’s county title, appears to be the outstanding local candidate.
Monaghan
Former Dublin forward Jason Sherlock has reportedly been in talks with Monaghan officials about succeeding Seamus McEnaney.
Having been part of Jim Gavin’s Dublin management team, he may be keeping an eye on developments closer to home before making a commitment, however.
Down
The only surprise about James McCartan’s departure earlier this week was that it took so long to materialise after he was reportedly on the brink of walking out mid-season amid player indiscipline.
Rarely has this job been less attractive and, realistically, the county board needs to make a strong play for Kilcoo’s Conor Laverty.
Wexford
Shane Roche stood down earlier this month and the county board met this week to put a selection committee in place for a new manager.
Offaly
Having served as part of John Maughan’s management team this year, everything points to Tomas O Se being appointed as his replacement, more likely sooner rather than later.
Longford
Longford took an age to appoint a manager last year, with Billy O’Loughlin only coming on board a week before inter-county training commenced last winter.
They won’t relish the prospect of another recruitment drive after O’Loughlin’s recent resignation. Former Westmeath, Sligo and Offaly manager Pat Flanagan contended strongly last time and may be considered again.
Hurling
Kilkenny
With Henry Shefflin more likely to remain with Galway than depart, Derek Lyng looks best placed to step into Brian Cody’s sizeable shoes.
Eddie Brennan seems the only other credible contender though he may be in demand elsewhere.
The county board met on Monday night to set out an appointment process.
Dublin
Given his recent links to Cuala and his performance as Laois manager, Eddie Brennan is likely to be considered here, along with Davy Fitzgerald and Derek McGrath.
Westmeath manager Joe Fortune has also been mentioned and a return for Pat Gilroy couldn’t be ruled out either.
Waterford
A similar tune here, with Brennan thought to be in the running and Fitzgerald and McGrath being linked to a job they enjoyed success in previously.
Having guided Ballygunner to a historic All-Ireland this year, Darragh O’Sullivan is surely worthy of consideration.
Offaly
Michael Fennelly was effectively shown the exit door this week after three years in charge, fueling rumours locally that the county board has someone waiting in the wings though there is no outstanding local candidate.
Laois
Former Dublin and Tipperary hurler Ryan O’Dwyer and ex-Clare star Brendan Bugler have been linked to Laois job though progress has been slow since Seamas ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett stepped aside last month.
Read next:
- Jim McGuinness should get the Donegal job insists former All-Ireland winner
Down on the hunt for a new manager once again as James McCartan resigns
David Clifford and Jack O'Connor warn champions Kerry are only getting started
Kerry vs Galway: Player ratings from 2022 All-Ireland senior football final
RTE pundit Pat Spillane breaks down in tears during his final Sunday Game appearance
For all the latest sport news, visit the Belfast Live Sport homepage here. Sign up to our free sports newsletter here.
