February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Sean Creedon
Colm O’Rourke, the manger of the Irish team for the Compromise Rules Series against Australia, has named 17 players of his 25-man squad. The remaining eight are likely to come from Kildare and Galway.
John McDermott of Meath captains the team, with Tyrone’s Peter Canavan the vice-captain. Several players were unavailable through injury and others were not able to take part in the trial games. Among the big names missing are Kerry’s Maurice Fitzgerald and Meath’s Tommy Dowd. Dublin has only one player in the British Stynes. His older brother Jim is in the Australian squad.
The countries meet in the first test at Croke Park on Sunday, Oct. 11, with the second test at the same venue the following Sunday.
Wexford tabs Barrett
Former Kerry footballer J.J. Barrett is in the new manager of the Wexford senior footballers. The appointment is surprising in that Barrett works as a journalist for the Evening Herald in Dublin. He has previous coaching experience with Austin Stacks in Tralee and with Offaly club Clara. Barrett takes over from Greg Hughes, who has returned to his native Carlow.
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But no change for the hurlers in the Southeast. Rory Kinsella has been appointed Wexford manager for another team.
McGrath gone
Former FAI National coach Joe McGrath’s term as manager of Bohemian is over after just nine competitive games. McGrath returned from New Zealand in the summer to take charge of the Dublin club, who have not won the FAI League for 20 years. McGrath brought five Kiwis to Ireland with him, but they were not up to League of Ireland standard and now The Gypsies are rooted to the bottom of the table.
The Bohemians’ management have moved to try to rectify their disastrous start by bringing back former manager Turlough O’Conner as general manager. Roddy Collins, a brother of boxer Stephen, will manage The Gypsies. Bohs say McGrath was offered as job as coach, but he claims he was sacked and plans to sue the club.
Reigning champions St. Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City are the early pacesetters in the FAI National League premier division. But the surprise packets are promoted Bray Wanderers. The Wicklow team are in third place.
Changes for Donegal
Donegal football manager Declan Bonner has made big changes to his panel for the upcoming National Football League. Out go Brian Murray, James McHugh, Shane Bradley, Dessie McNamara, John Horan and Jonathan Scanlon. Manus Boyle has retired, Barry McGowan is injured and Tony Boyle is taking a break. There’s a recall for Ollie Reid, brother of former Donegal star Donal and Patsy McGinley of Killybegs is also back in favor.
GAA turns a page
It’s probably a bit early to mention Christmas just yet, but the festive time is a great one for book publishing. GAA fans will as usual be well catered to this year. Former Kerry star Pat Spillane will publish his book later this month. Next month it’s the turn of veteran sports commentator Sean Og O C’llachain. Many readers will remember Sean Og from his GAA results on Radio Eireann every Sunday night, a program he still broadcasts without fail every week.