A dozen Gaelic Football managers will be at the helm of their new counties for the first time in a competitive game tomorrow. Here’s your guide to them.
Evans takes charge of his second inter-county senior side after stepping down as Tipperary manager last March. The 1996 Laune Rangers All-Ireland club winning boss enjoyed success in the league and at U21 level with the Premier county. He kicks off his Roscommon adventure tomorrow against Leitrim in the FBD League in Elphin.
Mick O'Dwyer (Clare)
A long and storied inter-county managerial career shows no signs of abating. Stints with Kerry, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow have enabled Mick O'Dwyer to gain plenty experience and now it is Clare who he is in charge of. They face Limerick IT in their McGrath Cup opener in Milltown-Malbay tomorrow.
Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry)
He won All-Ireland medals as a player and was part of the management team that lifted Sam Maguire in 2009. Now Eamonn Fitzmaurice is in charge of the Kerry senior footballers after being the U21 boss last season. First up for them is IT Tralee this afternoon in the McGrath Cup.
Emmett McDonnell (Offaly)
McDonnell (second from left) is the youngster inter-county manager in the country at 33. From Kinnegad, he burst to the fore as he guided the St Mary's (Edenderry) team to the All-Ireland colleges (Hogan Cup) football title last April. His Offaly team welcome near neighbors Laois to Tullamore tomorrow.
Aidan O'Rourke (Louth)
The former Armagh defender has gained experience in recent years as a right-hand man with Kieran McGeeney in Kildare and James McCartan in Down. Now O'Rourke is the number one of a Louth team that host UCD in Drogheda tomorrow.
Aidan O'Brien (Wexford)
Since 2008 the Wexford footballers have been accustomed to Jason Ryan in charge. But now it is Aidan O'Brien, who has shone at the helm of club side Horeswood and Good Counsel (New Ross) club teams, that has replaced Ryan. Wexford entertain Dublin IT tomorrow in Enniscorthy for O'Brien's debut.
Anthony Rainbow (Carlow)
Rainbow enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Kildare and last year was recruited as a coach to the Carlow side by Luke Dempsey. Now he is at the helm of Carlow and his first game out sees them welcome Dublin to town for an O'Byrne Cup tie.
Jim Gavin (Dublin)
Gavin took the Dublin reins on New Year's Day for the annual Blue Stars challenge. Tomorrow it is inter-county business as they travel to Carlow in the O'Byrne Cup. Gavin has a strong coaching CV behind him after winning two All-Ireland U21 titles in three years as Dublin manager.
Mick O'Dowd (Meath)
After two years with Banty, the Meath players will have a new man overseeing their fortunes tomorrow. Mick O'Dowd, who coached Skryne to win the Meath county title in 2004, takes Meath to Ballymahon for their O'Byrne Cup clash with Longford.
Frank Dawson (Antrim)
Belfast native Dawson has succeeded Liam 'Baker' Bradley who had been in situ since 2009. Dawson enjoyed success on the football fields of Down in winning county titles with Burren and Clonduff. They entertain UUJ in Casement Park tomorrow.
Malachy O'Rourke (Monaghan)
The former Fermanagh boss Malachy O'Rourke is succeeding Eamonn McEnaney at the helm of the Farney county. His first taste of action will be against St Mary's in Clones tomorrow.
Brian McIver (Derry)
McIver has plenty managerial experience. He guided Donegal to the 2007 National League title and was part of the Down back room team when they reached the 2010 All-Ireland final. He starts off in charge of Derry tomorrow in Omagh against Tyrone.
Let's meet the new men in charge
John Evans (Roscommon)
Mick O'Dwyer (Clare)
Eamonn Fitzmaurice (Kerry)
Emmett McDonnell (Offaly)
Aidan O'Rourke (Louth)
Aidan O'Brien (Wexford)
Anthony Rainbow (Carlow)
Jim Gavin (Dublin)
Mick O'Dowd (Meath)
Frank Dawson (Antrim)
Malachy O'Rourke (Monaghan)
Brian McIver (Derry)
All Pictures by INPHO.
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