New Managers Bring Fresh Perspectives to Gaelic Football and Hurling

The influx of new managers in Gaelic football and hurling has brought a welcome change to the sport, with many drawn from outside the local community and tasked with breeding a new generation of players. These outside managers have arrived at a time when club football and hurling are beset with problems, including personality clashes and differing views on how the game should be played. However, the appointment of new managers from outside has proven to be a positive development, allowing them to make fresh starts and implement their own views without being hindered by local baggage.

Key Takeaways:

• 13 out of 20 teams competing in County Finals across the island were managed by outside managers, indicating a trend towards fresh perspectives.
• Outside managers can conduct their own overview of the situation and decide for themselves how to proceed, without being influenced by local politics.
• Local managers often face difficulties in making decisions, such as dropping players they know well, and implementing a fresh start can be a challenge.
• Examples of new county team managers include Dermot McCabe (Cavan), Declan Bonner (Donegal), Mark Doran (Antrim), Gavin Devlin (Louth), Ciaran Meenagh (Derry) and Brennan (Dublin).
• On the club front, new managers like Joe Brolly (Knockmore, Mayo), Rory Kavanagh (Glen), and Philly McMahon (Naas) have taken on new roles.
• New managers often take a different approach to achieving success, which is a welcome change.
• Players, officials, followers, and others often remain wary of new managers until they have proven themselves on the field of play.

Statistics:

• 20 clubs were competing in County Finals across the island, with 13 teams managed by outside managers.
• Outside managers were able to implement their own views and decisions, without external influence.
• 5 new county team managers, including Dermot McCabe and Declan Bonner, have taken on new roles.
• 3 new club managers, including Joe Brolly and Rory Kavanagh, have also taken on new roles.
• There were 13 County Finals teams managed by outside managers in the last weekend.

Sources:

• "The Armagh legend makes his point", by Oisin McConville, as cited in The Ulster Herald