FRANK FARRAGHER

AN intriguing five way contest is shaping up for the Galway football management job following the final confirmation of nominations this week.

The five confirmed and officially nominated contenders are: Gerry Fahy (Oranmore), Pete Warren (Tuam Stars), Matt Duggan (Annaghdown), Pat Fallon (Barna) and Tomás Ó Flatharta (Kerry).
There was intense speculation last Monday evening that former Galway centre back and Kilkerrin-Clonberne club man, John Divilly, could have major Football Board backing for the job.

His name was put forward at a meeting of Galway Football Board executive officers on Monday night where a discussion on the matter took place – however early on Tuesday morning, Divilly confirmed that he wasn’t standing for the job.

Another man to pull out on Tuesday morning was former Caltra trainer and Clare football manager Frank Doherty – by then the number of nominations was down to five and later that evening it was confirmed that all five were allowing their names to go forward.

At last Monday night’s executive meeting, the first three people of a five man committee to interview for the position of the manager were appointed consisting of Football Board Chairman, John Joe Holleran; Treasurer, Milo Costello and Vice-Chairman, Michael Ruane.

They will be joined by two more delegates from the football clubs of the county who will come together on Tuesday night to make their picks. Interviews are likely to be conducted over the following week with a ‘recommended choice’ to be put before a full delegate meeting in early October for ratification.

The candidate to receive most club nominations (4) was this year’s Galway minor manager, Gerry Fahy, with Caltra, St. Michael’s, Loughrea and Monivea-Abbey all supporting him.

The Kilkerrin-Clonberne club nominated former Westmeath manager, Tomás Ó Flatharta; Caherlistrane nominated Pete Warren; Pat Fallon was nominated by Dunmore MacHales and Matt Duggan by Annaghdown.

While the Football Board Executive members hold the ‘balance of power’ on the interview committee, the new manager must be ratified by the club delegates, often only a matter of course, but after what happened in Meath earlier this week, probably not to be taken for granted anymore.

Galway will also be mindful of the financial implications of bringing in an outside manager and although figures aren’t officially available the cost of covering the expenses of Joe Kernan and his backroom team over the past season, is at least a six figure sum.

The current depressed economic climate is no help to Galway’s financial position either, with main sponsor Aer Arann having gone into interim examinership over recent weeks, leaving the Football Board almost certain to have to source a new sponsor by year end.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.