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Paudie Kissane, Clare football coach and Clyda Rovers player. INPHO/James Crombie
Juggling Act

Hectic: Training the Clare footballers and preparing to play an All-Ireland semi-final

Paudie Kissane faces a busy time over the next few weeks.

TRAINING AN INTER-county football team for the first time and preparing to play an All-Ireland club semi-final makes for a hectic January schedule.

But the frenzied introduction to the 2014 season has not posed problems for recently retired Cork footballer Paudie Kissane.

After drawing the curtain down on his inter-county playing days, Kissane was installed as the new Clare senior football trainer. The Banner may not be participating in the McGrath Cup this year yet they are gearing up for the start of their Division 4 league campaign in February.

While on the playing front Kissane is still involved at club level. He’ll be a key member of the Clyda Rovers side that face into action in the AIB All-Ireland IFC semi-final against Mayo’s Kiltane in Ballinasloe on January 26th.

Combining coaching and playing commitments has not been a problem with Clare boss Colm Collins praising the role of Kissane.

“Paudie has done absolutely perfectly for us so far. He’s been extremely professional and you wouldn’t really know that he’s juggling two roles. He’s doing it quietly and it hasn’t affected his role with us.

“He’s doing the Gaelic football coaching with us which means he doesn’t have to be here for every training session. It’s not been a huge distraction so far.”

If Clyda Rovers do progress to the All-Ireland decider, Kissane will be involved in that campaign up until February 9th. During the month of February, Clare have league games away to Waterford on the 2nd and at home to Leitrim on the 9th.

Clare football boss believes Paudie Kissane will be major asset as coach

Podge and Sean Collins set to be involved with Clare senior footballers this season