O'BYRNE CUP: Gavin Cummiskey talks to a manager about to shed the cloak of anonymity that has helped him to slip comfortably into one of the game's big jobs.
Anonymity can be a deadly weapon. Gerry Fahey has had this luxury since he slipped into the role of Offaly football manager last October. The spotlight has been firmly focused on the midlands but it was neighbours Westmeath who, by bringing in Páidí Ó Sé, ensured that everyone else could go about their pre-season business unperturbed.
Every challenge match Westmeath played has generated media and public interest at a time of year when Gaelic games are supposed to be far from people's minds.
However, Fahey's team steps out of the shadows tomorrow when he brings them to Wexford for the first game of his tenure. Because of his lack of knowledge of the Offaly footballers, he declined challenge matches before the O'Byrne Cup started.
"We had a couple of offers but I wouldn't know my guys too well so I wanted to get in as many collective training sessions as possible. You see, they are all new to me," said Fahey. "We have done six or seven sessions now but I still don't know the ability of all the players."
Fahey came into intercounty management with a decent pedigree. He led NUIG to the Sigerson Cup last year and was Val Daly's number two in Galway during the, admittedly ill-fated, 1997 season. Daly's reign was quickly forgotten as his replacement, John O'Mahony, produced an All-Ireland the next year.
At least this experience is something that Fahey can draw knowledge from. Because, as with the Galway job, time is not at his disposal. Former Offaly manager Paul O'Kelly can testify to that. The guillotine came down quickly on him, also after just one year at the helm, leaving Fahey in little doubt that there is precious little room for manoeuvre.
A team that is capable of making a run for Leinster honours or at least a decent showing in the qualifiers is the minimum requirement.
The O'Byrne Cup is where the seeds can be sown for successful league and championship campaigns. However, Fahey refused to be drawn into predictions of what lies ahead.
"I'm not trying to be coy but we're just taking it one day at a time. It's difficult, as I have not seen them involved in any real competition yet. We played a challenge match amongst ourselves this week but that's it."
With Vinny Claffey, Finbar Cullen, John Kenny and the Grennan brothers (James and Seán) all exiting stage left it is safe to say that the football side of the county is entering a period of transition. New players must emerge.
In this regard Fahey's track record, again, makes his appointment all the more sensible than that of a big name. He coached the Galway minors to an All-Ireland title in 1986 and is famed for his work with the Oranmore-Maree club at all levels.
Tomorrow is just the first tentative step but one thing is for certain: Fahey's anonymity will be a thing of the past when the year really begins to heat up.
