FORMER TIPPERARY MANAGER Eamon O’Shea has ruled himself out of a potential new role with the Galway senior hurlers.
O’Shea, who managed Tipperary from 2013 until stepping aside following the All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway in August, had been linked with a coaching position alongside managerial candidate Michael Donoghue.
But speaking to Tipp FM this morning, O’Shea had distanced himself from the new Galway set-up.
“I’m retired. In the same way as the four guys have retired, I’m retired. I won’t be getting involved.”
Galway sources have indicated that Josie Harte, the former Galway minor hurling manager, may be on Donoghue’s ticket.
Harte is the father of current Galway star Aidan and hurled at corner back for his club in the 1984 All-Ireland final defeat to Ballyhale Shamrocks.
O’Shea cited travel commitments as one of the biggest problems he had to endure during his time with Tipperary but linking up with Galway, where he is based, would not have been an issue.
But it now appears that like the four Tipperary players he referenced – James Woodlock, Shane McGrath, Conor O’Mahony and Lar Corbett – he is happy to “retire.”
Donoghue is highly regarded in his own right, having guided Clarinbridge to All-Ireland club glory in 2011.
He was also a member of the Galway team that won the 1993 All-Ireland U21 hurling championship.
Donoghue also played for Clarinbridge in their 2002 All-Ireland club final defeat to Birr, and is a brother of former Galway goalkeeper Liam.
Mattie Kenny, a former Galway selector with Cunningham, remains favourite for the post with the bookmakers although morning reports suggest that Donoghue is the leading contender.
Kenny is the current manager of Dublin senior hurling champions Cuala, who will contest the Leinster final against Oulart-the-Ballagh on Sunday week.
