Offaly door is not yet closed

The Offaly football manager committee hope to have a recommendation for the county board by next Tuesday's meeting but it is highly unlikely to be John O'Mahony.

The former Galway manager was last week touted as the man to lead the revival in the Faithful County after an off-season sprinkled with controversy and player strikes. This latest development leaves the door ajar for former manager Gerry Fahy to make a quick return to the post he turned his back on after just one year in charge.

Former players Seán Lowry, Ken Kellaghan and James Brady join county chairman Tommy Byrne and secretary Christy Todd on the selection committee.

In Dublin, county chairman John Bailey stated yesterday their search for a new manager will not progress until secretary John Costello, part of a four-man committee charged with replacing Tommy Lyons, returns from holidays on November 8th.

Brian Mullins, who has managed Derry with some success, is still favourite to be installed.

Meanwhile, Carlow chairman Eddie Byrne has expressed his annoyance with attempts of businessmen outside the county board to lure a high-profile football manager.

"These outside forces must work under the constitution of the GAA. Some of these people believe they can work while ignoring rules and regulations. That's just not acceptable . . . We are the authority in the county and everyone must adhere to the rules and guidelines as laid down by the association. It's as simple as that," said Byrne.

At present, there is no evidence of any financial input from the anonymous backers but a county board meeting this evening is hopeful of shedding more light on the issue.

Coaching officer Brendan Hayden and former county player Willie Quinlan have taken charge of the panel while a committee attempts to find a replacement for Luke Dempsey, who has taken up the reins at Longford.