Mike McNamara appears set to remain as manager of the Clare senior hurlers after receiving the backing of the county board last night.
McNamara’s position had been in doubt following a letter sent by the players calling for his removal. However, that letter was left unsigned and was not read out a meeting of the board yesterday evening.
Instead, there was widespread support for McNamara to remain in his position for another 12 months and calls for an end to the ‘media circus’ that has followed revelations of unrest within the panel.
Addressing the meeting, county board chairman Michael O'Neill acknowledged that a missive had been sent from the panel but insisted there would be no bloodletting.
“Mike McNamara was appointed last year for a two-year period, and that hasn’t changed. We had a note from the players which outlined certain difficulties, and I think that should be given a little time,” explained O’Neill.
"We need to give the board officers, the management and the players time to discuss this, and prepare for 2010. I don’t believe that out in the public domain is the place to discuss those issues.
"I expect the support of the meeting on this, I don’t expect any dissenting voice; the management and players are entitled to that — we have tremendous respect for this management and we have tremendous respect for these players. Whatever is to be discussed will be discussed.”