Limerick still seek a coach

Former Newtownshandrum manager Ger Cunningham ruled out becoming the next Limerick hurling coach after committing to Thurles Sarsfields six weeks ago.

Last year's All-Ireland club championship winning manager had initially been widely tipped to succeed Pad Joe Whelahan as Limerick manager before Joe McKenna was officially unveiled.

Immediately, Cunningham was tipped to take the coaching post instead. The Knockainey native confirmed he was asked to take on the role but his workload with Sarsfields and the University of Limerick, who he guided to the Fitzgibbon Cup final last week, made such a move impossible.

"I was approached but I had already made the commitment to Thurles Sarsfields so when all the speculation of the last week was going on I just said nothing and didn't answer my phone," he explained. "Although, I did have to meet the Sarsfield chairman (John English) on Sunday to reassure him that I was committed to the club."

He will continue as the video analyst for Limerick, which includes compiling statistics from each game. Something he is well qualified for as he works for the UL sports department as manager of their adventure centre in Killaloe.

"Sarsfields play matches on the same day as Limerick so I wouldn't be able to do any more than I am at present. Somebody will have to take the job over but it won't be me."

The hurlers play Down this Sunday at the Gaelic Grounds and county PRO Denis Carroll stated yesterday a new coach would be named early next week.

Cunningham departed company with Newtownshandrum before the start of the season after achieving the highest honour in the club game.

"My three years were done in Newtownshandrum and I felt I couldn't achieve any more there. Plus, they needed a new face."

McKenna and Declan Nash were selectors under Whelahan but they only survived a county board vote of no confidence this week by four votes (62-58). The majority of clubs appeared keen to bring in a completely new management team but the 11 county executives appeared to have swung the vote.

County board vice-chairman Liam Lenihan joined the two on a new management ticket. Providing no further debate breaks out, McKenna will remain on as manager for the championship.

There are several unresolved issues in Limerick at present, including the duel player status that downgraded Whelahan's authority early in his tenure. The decision of six duel players to opt for football when told to choose between the panels last year put huge pressure on Whelahan.

The GAA have advised supporters attending the All Ireland club finals at Croke Park March 17th to purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays on the day. Tickets are currently on sale from Ticketmaster.