English rules himself out of Tipperary job

GAELIC GAMES:NICKY ENGLISH will not be available to succeed Liam Sheedy as Tipperary hurling manager. In many people's eyes the favourite to take over in charge of the All-Ireland champions, English has just returned from holidays and took the opportunity when away to consider the situation.

“It’s an honour for me at any time to be associated with the Tipperary job,” he told The Irish Times yesterday evening, “and I was anxious to give the possibility of taking the position serious consideration.

“But having done that, I can’t see any way to reconcile the demands of managing the All-Ireland champions and putting in the considerable time necessary with the required commitment to my job and my employers, particularly at this time.”

The news, while not unexpected, comes as a setback to the county, as there had been in recent days considerable speculation that the former All-Ireland winning player and manager might accept the position if offered to him.

Although the county executive has denied that the position was offered to English, there is little doubt that had he been available he would, in all likelihood, have been appointed.

Another former senior manager Ken Hogan, who was in charge of this year’s successful All-Ireland under-21 winners, also ruled himself out last month. Attention will now switch to other candidates.

Tommy Dunne, All-Ireland winning captain under English in 2001, is still a front runner to take over Eamon O’Shea’s role as team coach, but lacks experience in the managerial role.

It will be vital that the right appointment is made, as Tipperary have a young and talented panel, which will be expected to add to the Liam MacCarthy Cup won last month in the defeat of Kilkenny.

Meanwhile, the GAA has a key role to play in the country’s economic recovery, according to one of the organisation’s top officials. Paddy Naughton, president of the Connacht Council, said that the GAA can help the country through the recession.

“The GAA remains the biggest voluntary organisation in the country – and in these dark economic times, it has a key role to play. I was encouraged to see that the Mayo GAA Review process, currently underway, has included a section on the GAA as a stimulator of economic activity.

“The GAA has always stood by communities. It has consistently invested in facilities and people. In this downturn, the GAA can be leaders again.”