All change as Antrim prepare to name bosses

By John Campbell – 14 September 2012

Antrim will unveil the identity of their new hurling manager at next Monday’s county board meeting.

Four nominees for the post — understood to be PJ O’Mullan, Kevin Ryan, Gregory O’Kane and Michael Johnston — were interviewed on Tuesday and the name of the successful candidate will now be forwarded to the management committee for ratification before being placed before the full board meeting.

And four candidates will be interviewed for the post of football manager next week.

Former St Gall’s manager Lenny Harbison and ex-Antrim player Gearoid Adams (pictured) are believed to be the frontrunners for the job.

Harbison led St Gall’s to the All Ireland club title in 2010, while Adams has served as part of Liam Bradley’s managerial team in Antrim of late.

Antrim chairman Jim Murray has confirmed that formal confirmation of the appointments of the new hurling and football bosses will clear the path for a concerted build-up to the 2013 season.

“Our football and hurling championship finals will be coming up shortly and the new managers will have the opportunity to assess players in these showpiece games and hopefully they will be able to take things on from there,” he said.

“We feel that Antrim are capable of making a better impact in both codes next year and with a unified approach this can be achieved.”

Meanwhile, Derry and Tyrone may be fierce rivals in a playing context but the two counties have come together to support a very worthy cause.

They have thrown their weight behind a ‘Just Dance Autism’ spectacular designed to raise funds for training people to be able to deal with autistic children.

Shane and Edel McFlynn, who have an autistic child, are the couple responsible for the initiative and already a number of clubs from both counties have pledged their support for the fund-raiser which will take place in Ardboe Parish Centre on October 13-14.

Among clubs who will be entering dance teams are St Patrick's Loup, Ballinderry Shamrocks, Lavey, O'Donovan Rossa Magherafelt, Springhill Boxing Club Moneymore, Derrylaughan, Ardboe, Moortown, Cookstown, Naomh Colum Cille and a team from the Rainey Old Boys Magherafelt.

“This is a cause that deserves support from all sides and it’s very encouraging to note the initial response to the fund-raising drive,” said Tyrone spokesman Damian Harvey.

Anyone wishing to buy tickets can do so by phoning (028) 7941 8751.