A LEADING ANTRIM GAA official has confirmed this morning that Cork hurling legend Justin McCarthy is in line for a role on a potential new management team in the county.
If PJ O’Mullan is successful in his quest to succeed Kevin Ryan as Antrim supremo, he will be enlisting the services of McCarthy as consultant.
McCarthy famously guided Waterford to a breakthrough Munster SHC title win in 2002 and he was also in charge of Limerick for an ill-fated spell in later years.
Under McCarthy’s guidance, the Shannonsiders suffered a crushing 2009 All-Ireland semi-final defeat against Tipperary before he was faced with a player mutiny in the following season.
But McCarthy is fondly remembered in Cork as a former All-Ireland, Munster and National League medallist.
Over the years, McCarthy has forged close links in Antrim, helping out with club and intercounty teams in coaching capacities.
Antrim PRO Sean Fleming confirmed to The42 this morning that McCarthy’s name has been linked with the PJ O’Mullan ticket.
Former Loughgiel Shamrocks manager O’Mullan is the hot tip to step into the role vacated by Waterford native Kevin Ryan.
Candidates will be interviewed by former Allstar Ciarán Barr and two members of the county board executive, Fleming explained.
“We’re hoping to have it done and dusted within ten days,” said Fleming.
That will ensure a new man is in place before Antrim begin pre-season training in mid-November.
“Justin’s role with PJ would be as a consultant, it wouldn’t be a full-time role,” Fleming added.
“He wouldn’t be up and down at every training session.
“He’s definitely linked to PJ,” Fleming said.
“To be fair to Justin, he would know a lot of people in Antrim, from club and county level.
“He’s always had close links here and is very highly thought of.
“There are others still in the hunt, however, and it would be unfair to say who’s favourite or otherwise,” Fleming stressed.
