Futures remain uncertain

There is still some uncertainty surrounding the future of both the Kerry and Cork football managers, almost two weeks after their All-Ireland final. While Kerry's winning manager Pat O'Shea looks certain to resume duties for a second year, Cork's Billy Morgan, who endured the crushing 10-point defeat, may have a harder time holding on for a fourth year, in what is also his third separate term in charge.

O'Shea was originally given a one-year term as successor to Jack O'Connor, on the basis that it was unclear how well he could handle his dual role as Kerry manager and Games Officer with the Munster Council. Kerry county chairman Seán Walsh is satisfied O'Shea handled both roles impressively well, although some further discussion with the Munster Council is still necessary.

"I said after the All-Ireland final that we would have to sit down again with the Munster Council," said Walsh yesterday. "That hasn't happened yet, and may not happen for another fortnight, so that's where the situation remains at this stage."

O'Shea has already hinted that he is keen to remain in charge, although some reflection was necessary, but once those discussions with the Munster Council do take place it's hard to see any outcome other than O'Shea being ratified for at least another year.

Morgan, meanwhile, is on holiday in Spain, but according to county chairman Mick Dolan his position won't be formally discussed until after the conclusion of the Cork county football and hurling championships. In addition, the actual method of selecting the senior manager for the coming year has also to be agreed at the next meeting of the Cork County Board, next Tuesday week.

"I have spoken to Billy Morgan a few times since the All-Ireland final, but so far he hasn't given any indication about what he wants to do next," said Dolan. "As things stand his latest two-year term is up, but there has been no mention of whether he'll be going forward for another year or not.

"The senior hurling manager Gerald McCarthy has completed one year of a two-year appointment, and therefore continues as is, but our under-21 hurling and both minor and football positions are also up for grabs again. The under-21 footballers also, but they get the option of staying on because they won the All-Ireland."

The Cork hurling final is scheduled to take place on October 14th, and the football a week later - which means it could be the end of next month before Morgan knows whether he'll continue for 2008, unless of course he withdraws in the meantime.

In other managerial news, Brian McIver is poised to continue with the Donegal senior footballers for another year, despite deciding to step down following the qualifier defeat to Monaghan. McIver was convinced into a change of heart, and a five-man selection committee has decided to put McIver back up for ratification at next Monday night's county board meeting, ahead of the other leading candidates Charlie Mulgrew, Jim McGuinness and Donal Reid.

Mulgrew had vacated the Fermanagh position after the championship, and that job appears set to go to his two former selectors Sylvester Mulrone and Seán Maguire. Former Mayo manager Mickey Moran apparently ruled himself out of contention.

Armagh's Kevin Dyas is the latest GAA player to be offered a contract with an Australian Rules club. Dyas has just completed a four-week trial with the Collingwood club and now has a few weeks to make up his mind.