Galway hurling manager appointment expected in the next two weeks
With Mcshane/sportsfile Ben Linked Has Hurling Dublin Job Galway Former Pic: Donoghue Been Home?: The Heavily Manager Heading Micheál
The search for Henry Shefflin’s successor is nearing a close as Galway are expected to appoint a new hurling manager at a county board meeting on Monday, September 2.
Shefflin departed at the end of the 2024 Leinster championship after three seasons with Galway. Micheál Donoghue’s decision to step down as Dublin manager earlier this month has paved the way for him to return and take charge of his native county with an announcement expected in two weeks’ time.
The deadline for potential candidates to confirm their interest was Friday. News that Donoghue was leaving Dublin after two years fuelled speculation that the All-Ireland-winning manager was set to return to the job he lost held in 2019. He had originally been appointed for three years with Dublin.
Donoghue is currently part of the backroom team with senior club Clarinbridge. His former team-mate David Forde is manager. They triumphed in their opening championship clash against Moycullen 2-21 to 0-15 with intercounty star Evan Niland hitting 1-15.
While several outside candidates have been linked to the post in recent weeks, Galway chairperson Paul Bellew declared last month that their preference was to source a replacement from within the county.
Speaking on the Maroon and White Podcast, former All-Ireland winning manager Cyril Farrell said Donoghue is the leading contender as “he knows the scene inside out.”
“I think it is a done deal. There doesn’t seem to be anyone else applying for it, there is no one putting up their hand,” he said.
“Micheal had a year left on his contract with Franny (Forde) and Noel Larkin in Dublin. They’ve now opted out for the last year.
“They did a good job up there; Dublin were happy with them and I know they tried their best to hold onto them but he has made his break. I would say it is all roads lead to Galway. It is his if he wants it.”