WITH ROSCOMMON football ratifying Des Newton last night, Fermanagh remains the last of the GAA’s off-season managerial positions to be filled.
However, the Fermanagh County Board were prompted into releasing a statement yesterday that stalled the coronation of Peter Canavan as their high-profile appointment for 2012. An announcement is expected early next week as the county seek to put the nightmare that was 2011 behind them.
Under the embattled reign of John O’Neill, Fermanagh were knocked out of the Ulster championship by Derry before suffering the ignominy of a qualifier defeat to London. Several senior players refused to play for O’Neill and he resigned last month.
Fermanagh’s fall from grace, in contrast to their run to the 2004 All-Ireland semi-final, saw Down’s two-time winning All-Ireland manager Pete McGrath drafted in to help find a replacement.
Canavan, considered one the game’s greatest ever forwards, captained Tyrone to their first All-Ireland title in 2003 and played an equally effective role in 2005. Since retiring that year Canavan has kept close ties with his club Errigal Ciarán, managing them for the past three years.
The 40-year-old also remained visible on the national stage due to his media work.
However, Fermanagh PRO Deirdre Donnelly was adamant yesterday the interview process was only just beginning. The delay was to allow the candidates time to present management teams to the selection committee that includes McGrath, chairman Peter Carty and three board officers.
Former Fermanagh player Ciarán Donnelly and former Tyrone footballer Enda Kilpatrick are believed to be on Canavan’s management ticket.
Other names linked with the position are former manager Dominic Corrigan, ex-Derry manager Paddy Crozier, Peter Clarke and Darren Chapman.
Elsewhere, Cork dominated the Under-21 Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Awards for 2011. Dual player Aidan Walsh was named under-21 hurler of the year, with Ciarán Sheehan winning the football equivalent. Walsh chose football over hurling at senior level last season but was the stand-out performer in hurling at underage.
Clare’s Tony Kelly won the minor hurler award and Tipperary’s TJ Ryan was named minor footballer of the year.
Finally, Dublin dual talent Ciarán Kilkenny and Louth forward Ciarán Byrne have reportedly been offered rookie contracts with AFL franchise the Carlton Blues. This follows a series of trial matches at the University of Limerick last month.
