McNaughton future unresolved as Antrim defer managerial decision
THE Antrim county board has deferred any decision in relation to the composition of its hurling managerial team until next month.
It had been anticipated in some quarters that the existing management quartet comprising of Dominic McKinley, Terence McNaughton, Gary O’Kane and Neal Pedan would step down, but they have been asked to put any decision in relation to their collective future on hold until September 17.
The county board will re-convene on that date to take stock of what is perceived to be a worrying situation.
The current management team stepped into the breach two years ago and since then they have overseen Antrim’s fluctuating fortunes.
The side suffered relegation in the league earlier this year and this was followed by a rather truncated Championship campaign in the Joe McDonagh Cup in which they only saved themselves from relegation by getting the better of Kildare in a play-off.
However, the team management persuaded players such as Nigel Elliott and Michael Armstrong to come back on board, while at the same time introducing talented newcomers such as Stephen Rooney, Ryan Elliott, Ciaran Molloy and Joe Maskey to the hugely competitive inter-county sphere.
Maskey had made a particularly good impression before falling victim to injury, and he is regarded as one of Antrim’s brightest hopes for the future having already shown fine form in the crucial midfield area.
McKinley, McNaughton and O’Kane rendered outstanding service to Antrim as players. All three played in the Saffrons line-up that reached the 1989 All-Ireland final in which a star-studded Tipperary side, which included the mercurial Nicky English at his imperious best, proved their masters.
Pedan has also served Antrim well and as an ex-goalkeeper his coaching skills in this department had been proving invaluable.
McKinley’s son Conor, one of the best hurlers to have emerged from the county in recent years, captained the side this year.
The uncertainty surrounding the hurling team’s managerial role now assumes added gravity following confirmation last week of the decision of county chairman Collie Donnelly, vice-chairman Terry Reilly and treasurer Pol McCana to step aside later in the year because of increased work commitments.
It is expected that nominations will be sought for their offices prior to the Convention.