GAELIC GAMES:TOMÁS Ó FLATHARTA was last night appointed as the new Galway senior football manager – but only after a contentious board meeting, with some delegates angry about the manner in which the appointment was handled.
The ratification of the former Westmeath boss was opposed by some delegates, who were not happy with the manner in which the process was carried out and who wanted to go back to their clubs before rubber-stamping the appointment.
Ó Flatharta, who was not present last night, was eventually proposed and seconded after a heated meeting which went on for over an hour before delegates voted, 33-6, to offer him the job.
Ó Flatharta, who will appoint his selectors in the coming weeks, has been appointed for a three-year term, with an annual review.
In a day of surprise activity on the managerial front, delegates in Galway were hastily contacted yesterday afternoon to assemble in Claregalway last night to rubber-stamp the appointment of the Kerry man.
There was enormous speculation that Peter Warren, a selector with John O’Mahony in the AllIreland wins of 1998 and 2001, was to be appointed and the former Tuam Stars player received a number of messages of congratulations before he was told he was unsuccessful.
It emerged yesterday afternoon that Ó Flatharta was the choice of the five-man sub-committee set up to interview candidates and make a nomination.
Ó Flatharta will take over from Joe Kernan, who lasted less than a year in the job, as Galway appoint their fourth manager since 2007.
Ó Flatharta was one of four candidates interviewed for the position, with Galway minor manager Gerry Fahy and Annaghdown club boss Matt Duggan also considered for the position.
Ó Flatharta will have a championship baptism of fire as they will open against arch rivals Mayo, presuming James Horan’s first match does not end in a shock defeat away to London.
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