MICK O'DWYER was confirmed as the new manager of Kildare in Newbridge last night. It is a second coming for the Kerryman, O'Dwyer having managed the county's senior team between 1990 and 1994. Although expected in recent days, the appointment is a remarkable development in the county's ongoing struggle to make a breakthrough at the highest level.
O'Dwyer's appointment for a two year term was confirmed in Newbridge last night by the Kildare county board. Former players John Crofton and Pat Dunny and Pat McCarthy, a member of Kerry's 1975 All Ireland winning team, have been installed as O'Dwyer's back up team.
O'Dwyer succeeds Roscommon's Dermot Earley, who ended a two year term this year after Kildare's defeat by Laois in the first round of the Leinster Championship.
The appointment of O'Dwyer in 1990 was greeted with great fanfare, but he was unable to fulfil the expectations of a success starved county that sought quick deliverance from the man who guided Kerry to unrivalled success in the 1970s and early 80s. O'Dwyer's arrival coincided with the emergence of the Kildare supporters' club, led by horse racing's Michael Osbourne, as major players on the county's Gaelic games scene.
During his four year term, Kildare reached two Leinster finals, in 1992 and 1993, and a National League final in 1991. On each occasion, they lost to Dublin. In his other two championship campaigns with the county, Kildare made first round exits; defeated by Louth in 1991 and Dublin in 1994.
Dublin, O'Dwyer's nemesis at Kildare and Kerry, won the 1991 League decider by 1-9 to 0-10. Kildare lost out to Dublin 1-13 to 0-10 in the 92 Leinster final and 0-11 to 0-7 in the 93 decider.
However, O'Dwyer's first term did rouse the county's supporters and improved standards in the team's play. The county board obviously believes that the return of the 60 year old can help bridge a 40 year gap to a Leinster title.
Sean Kilfeather adds:
Brennan has withdrawn his name from the list of candidates for job of manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team. He was in charge of the team this year, but came in for criticism when Kilkenny were beaten by Wexford in this year's Leinster championship.
Six names had been put forward for consideration to the management committee of the county board. One of these, Dermot Healy, has already withdrawn. Those now left are Tom Ryan from Dunnamaggin, Kevin Fennelly from Shamrocks, George Leahy from James Stephens and Christy Heffernan from Glenmore.
Brennan, who was not nominated by any of the senior clubs, said yesterday that he would not take part in a race for the job. "I don't think a contest would be in the best interests of the county at the moment. It would appear that some people are unhappy with the situation. I am disappointed that this is the case but I have no problem about stepping aside."
The news comes at the same time as the announcement by the county board that whoever gets the management job will be allowed to choose his own selectors. Previously, the county champions were allowed to name a selector and the county chairman was also automatically on the selection committee. The county champions will, however, retain the honour of appointing the team captain.
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