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Óg Cusack is one of three new additions to Davy Fitz's set-up. James Crombie/INPHO
Appointment

Donal Óg Cusack leaves RTÉ to take up coaching role with Clare hurlers

The former Cork goalkeeper has also announced his retirement from club hurling.

DONAL ÓG CUSACK will leave his role as RTÉ panellist to become part of the Clare hurling management team for 2016.

The three-time All-Ireland winner has been brought in by Davy Fitzgerald to help reverse the Banner County’s fortunes next season. He’s been appointed as coach and selector.

He will, however, see out his term as chairman of the Gaelic Players Association.

Aonghus O’Brien (coach) and Jimmy Payne (strength and conditioning) have also been added to the management team.

“I am delighted to welcome Donal Óg, Aonghus and Jimmy to the setup,” Fitzgerald said. “Their collective experience and expertise will further strengthen the already high quality backroom team in place.

“Over the next few weeks, there may be one or two additions announced to the backroom team and the panel.  It is my intention to finalise the Provisional panel at the end of January ahead of the commencement of the Allianz National Hurling League.”

Cusack has been part of The Sunday Game panel for a number of seasons but has been granted an early release from his contract with the state broadcaster.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and want to thank Davy Fitzgerald for the opportunity,” the former Cork goalkeeper said.

“Ahead of assuming my coaching position in Clare, I have met with RTE and following mutual agreement I have been released from my contract. I would like to sincerely thank RTE for the experience they have given me.

Davy Fitzgerald Davy Fitz is hoping to turn Clare's fortunes around in 2016. Tommy Greally / INPHO Tommy Greally / INPHO / INPHO

“I will be seeing out my term as Chairperson of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) which will come to an end this year.

“I have also spoken with my local club, Cloyne to confirm my decision to retire from club hurling. I would like to thank the club for the support it has shown me throughout my career,” added Donal Óg.

As well as revealing the make-up of his coaching staff, Fitzgerald also announced his provisional playing panel for 2016 – which includes Podge Collins as he works his way back from injury.

Clare senior hurling provisional panel for 2016: Patrick Kelly (Inagh-Kilnamona), Donal Tuohy (Crusheen), Andrew Fahy (Whitegate), Paul Flanagan (Ballyea), Cian Dillon (Crusheen), Seadhna Morey (Sixmilebridge), Jack Browne (Ballyea), Brendan Bugler (Whitegate), David McInerney (Tulla), Pat O’Connor (Tubber), Conor Ryan (Cratloe), Conor Cleary (Kilmaley/Miltown), Ben O’Gorman (Wolfe Tones na Sionna), Gearoid O’Connell (Ballyea), Patrick Donnellan (O’Callaghan’s Mills), Domhnall O’Donovan (Clonlara), Eoin O’Brien (Newmarket-On-Fergus), Colm Galvin (Clonlara), Shane Golden (Sixmilebridge), Colin Ryan (Newmarket-On-Fergus), John Conlon (Clonlara), Peter Duggan (Clooney Quin), David Reidy (Éire Óg), Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg), Bobby Duggan (Clarecastle), Darach Honan (Clonlara), Conor O’Donnell (Crusheen), Tony Kelly (Ballyea), Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge), David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona), Aron Shanagher(Wolfe Tones na Sionna), Podge Collins (Cratloe), Conor McGrath (Cratloe), Aaron Cunningham (Wolfe Tones na Sionna).

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