McIntyre remains at Offaly helm

Rynaghs Biffo · Post by **Rynaghs Biffo** » Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:42 pm

Taken from Irish Independant today

John McIntyre will serve as Offaly hurling manager for another 12 months after he was re-appointed by the County board.
However, it is still unclear if his football counterpart, Kevin Kilmurry, will continue at the helm for another year.
Both Offaly bosses were allocated three-year terms at their appointment in 2005, with a review of the situation to take place after the first two years. Kilmurry's review is still incomplete and a meeting to clarify his position will be held by Offaly officials next week.
It can be argued in Kilmurry's favour that he steered his charges to this year's Leinster final in which they lost to Dublin.
But subsequently the Faithful County flopped badly in their quaifier clash with arch rivals in Portlaoise, failing to profit from a significant wind advantage in the second half.
McIntye, who previously served a one-year term as Offaly supremo, will have to find a replacement for his two selectors, as both Joachim Kelly and Daithi Regan have decided to step down.
Ex-wexford boss kelly cited work commitments as the reason for his decision, and fellow former-Offal player Regan feels that, after serving two years, it is time to make way for some fresh blood.
As was the case in 2005, former Tipperary defender McIntyre will have the power to choose his own selectors.
they lost by a point to Wexford in this year's Leinster championship semi-final and then failed to make the All-Ireland quarter-finals via the qualifier.

Paddy Hickey

Well first of all, its nice to the County Board holding onto a hurling manager for at least three years, but, Kilmurry has to go!

naasmanxrhode · Post by **naasmanxrhode** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:34 am

So should McIntyre

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:18 am

naasmanxrhode wrote:So should McIntyre

I agree.

Rynaghs Biffo · Post by **Rynaghs Biffo** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:33 am

I'm not sure, I'd give McIntyre another chance, I dont believe chopping and changing managers is the solution to our problem, which is something we are used to!

Lone Shark · Post by **Lone Shark** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:42 pm

We know the footballers aren't happy with KK - we don't know (or I don't anyway) how the hurlers feel about Mac. I know he's a very proud man, and motivation to set things right won't be an issue.

This was definitely a tricky call, and my gut feeling is they've done the right thing. Tis hard to tell though.

Bord na Mona man · Post by **Bord na Mona man** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:14 pm

If we got rid of McIntyre now, it'd be the usual craic.
Outside manager is appointed in time for the county final. He'll pop along to see Birr and Coolderry. Pick 14-15 of the players on show that day for the panel. The rest of the panel will be picked from the previous panel etc.
We'll look reasonable in the league before sleepwalking into the rotors of the real movers come championship. It's only then, that the new manager will cop that several of his panel wouldn't go into a dark room.

I think one last shot McIntyre is called for. He should definitely have learned last summer which of players haven't the stomach for battle.
I think a massive cull of the panel is required too.
Now is the time for the likes of Brian Leonard, Peter Healion to stake their claim for a place. McIntyre will have the benefit of watching the club championship to dig out a few more players.

One thing we have in our favour is that the players who showed the most guts in the tamest displays of Offaly's displays this summer were the younger ones e.g. Bergin, Hayden, Hoctor, Cleary etc. There is a decent spine of players there who could potentially backbone are more competitive outfit.

Lone Shark · Post by **Lone Shark** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:12 pm

There is a lot to be said for someone that knows the scene. However I'd find it hard to shake the image of last year in the pouring rain in Ennis, and the selectors and McIntyre strolling away disinterested, while the hurlers worked on drills by themselves - with no great gusto I might add.

I said it then that if I was ever going to bet against Offaly, the Clare minus six that day was an absolute lock, such was the demeanour of the players. I didn't do it, whether that makes me a better man or an idiot I don't know, but to send out a team as poorly prepared as that was something I never thought I'd see happen under McIntyre.

I'll be interested to see who he picks out of the mid tier clubs in Offaly. Lusmagh put it up to Coolderry, and Kilcormac have a huge catchment area and have really got their act together since the first few games this year. Rynagh's obviously appear to be making forward steps as well. I've barely got to see any games this year, but surely these three clubs can provide a little more than one player that features in a Champioonship run between the lot of them.