OLLIE BAKER’S TWO-YEAR tenure as manager of the Offaly hurling team is at an end following the Doora native’s decision to step down from the role.
The former Clare midfielder, who succeeded Joe Dooley in October 2011, saw his side crash out of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship this year when they lost to Waterford in the qualifiers. In announcing the decision, Offaly GAA thanked Baker for his service to the county.
Offaly count board chairman, Padraig Boland said, “Ollie Baker is a man of the highest integrity and while an extremely formidable negotiator on behalf of his players it was always in an environment of openness and honesty.
“He displayed tremendous respect for the needs of clubs and was a keen proponent of county players being available to their clubs throughout the year. He gave youth it’s chance with numerous championship and league debuts a feature of his tenure, while also offering others a second chance at an inter-county career.”
The highlight of Baker’s two-year reign was a championship victory over Wexford this year. That result, however, was followed by defeats to Kilkenny and the Déise.
“Both championship matches this year illustrated the pride that remains at the core of Offaly hurling, both on and off the field,” Boland declared.
“Failure to close the deal, having done so well to create the opportunity, is possibly more about lack of individual inner belief than any lack of ability or capacity.”
