Barry fixed on Meath job

MANAGERIAL MOVES: For the second year running the fight for the Meath managerial role is a straight shoot-out between Seán Boylan and Eamonn Barry.

The final ballot from the clubs will be counted at the next Meath County Board meeting on November 3rd.

Because of the recent rumours connecting Barry to the vacant Westmeath post, the Dunshaughlin manager has released a statement to club delegates rejecting that claim as "a propaganda campaign" that was being launched against him.

"I wish to make it known that I have not been approached by the Westmeath County Board in relation to the vacant Westmeath senior football manager's position," he said.

"I've made it known that I'm not interested in this position. I have been nominated by several clubs in Meath for the position of Meath senior football team manager and this is the only position I am interested in. I am available and willing to take up that position if selected by the Meath County Board."

Boylan, who was appointed in autumn 1982, is still the strong favourite to retain the job despite the fact that Barry was just 19 votes short of ending his reign last year.

In Cork, Nemo Rangers manager Billy Morgan is expected to take up his second term as the senior football manager at next Tuesday's county board meeting.

Although Larry Tompkins has yet to step down, Morgan's achievement in leading Cork to back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1989 and 1990 is expected to tip the scales in his favour.

Brian McEniff has backtracked on his decision to retire as manager of the Donegal football team because of a failure to find an adequate replacement.

McEniff cited the lack of preparation the team suffered last winter, after Mickey Moran's departure, and the absence of a successor within the county as the main reasons for him taking on another year at the helm.

"We just don't have anyone else. Because of this problem we didn't do the required stamina work last winter. The people of Donegal want a Donegal person to take the position.

"I suppose it's a labour of love and I hope I'll have the energy, as I am not getting any younger. I cannot believe I am back here where I am," he added.

McEniff, whose first stint as Donegal manager was in 1972, is also the county board chairman but he will step down from that position in December to give his full focus to the team affairs.

The Limerick County Board executive will recommend Liam Kearns and his management team for a further two years in charge of the county's footballers.

The vote of confidence for the Kerry native is a reward for guiding Limerick to Division One of the National Football League and two years of success at championship level, including the victory over defending Munster champions Cork in May.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the assault on referee John Denton, the Wexford County Board have summoned a number of Duffry Rovers players and officials to a disciplinary committee hearing this Friday.

Denton was physically assaulted at the end of the Horeswood and Duffry Rovers county senior football championship semi-final on September 28th. This is the second high-profile attack on a referee this year as Gearoid O'Regan was assaulted after the Kerry senior hurling championship semi-final between Ballyduff and Kilmoyley.

Duffry Rovers have sent a letter of apology to the county board, Denton and the match stewards.

With the exception of the main stand, supporters can pay at the gate for Sunday's All-Ireland minor football final replay between Dublin and Laois at Dr Cullen Park in Carlow.

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