BY BRENDAN FURLONG

WEXFORD’S Eamonn Scallan has been named as Wicklow Senior hurling manager.

Scallan, who had managed Wexford at Minor and Under-21 level, put his name forward for the Garden county job and held off the challenge of a number of well-established rivals.

Scallan’s appointment came in unusual circumstances since Waterford man James Quirke, who formerly managed St. Patrick’s in Wicklow town, seemed to be the front runner for the post.

However, there was a late dramatic swing that led to the former Wexford All-Ireland medal winner being recommended for the job.

It appears there was a late surge towards Scallan after the players were asked for their view. The ratification was due to happen on Tuesday week at a fixtures forum, but an extra meeting was called for the Wednesday night by the selection committee in the Glenview Hotel, and that’s where the plans appeared to change decisively in favour of Scallan.

The selection committee comprised John Mitchell, Don Hyland, M.A. O’Neill, Seán Hayes (Hurling Officer), Alan Smullen (committee Chairman, from St. Patrick’s), and Eamonn Kearns (player representative), and they recommended that Scallan be named as the new manager.

He will replace fellow county man, Seamus Murphy from Rathnure, who did not seek a further term owing to ill-health.

It is understood the current Ferns St. Aidan’s clubman had to hold off the challenge of Michael Neary who was in the mix as well, and he is likely to be disappointed at being passed over for the position.

Wicklow had cast their net wide seeking a replacement, with approaches being made to former Wexford manager Liam Dunne, Bosco O’Neill, and Glynn-Barntown’s Garry Laffan, who has guided Glenealy to two successive Senior hurling titles.

Despite the big names mentioned, it was Scallan, an All-Ireland medal winner with Wex- ford in 1996, who was the favoured choice.

That team was captained of course by Martin Storey, who also had a spell in charge of Wicklow hurlers.

Scallan, a native of Castletown, played his club hurling with Liam Mellows (Coolgreany) and Ferns St. Aidan’s.

As well as his All-Ireland medal, he also two Leinster Senior hurling titles in 1996 and 1997.

He has wide experience as a manager both at inter-county and club level, having guided Wexford in the Minor and Under-21 grades, while he was also part of Colm Bonnar’s Wexford Senior hurling backroom team in 2009.

He has managed a number of clubs in Wexford, while he has also guided Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) and more recently Eire Og (Greystones).

Once Scallan had expressed his availability he was always going to figure in the shake-up. This will be his first appointment as manager at Senior inter-county level, with the forthcoming National League now being his main priority.