Coughlan in mix for role in Donegal
FRESH after the news that Tracey Kennedy is set to break the mould in Cork and become first female chairperson of the county board, now former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has been linked with the top position in Donegal. She is reported as being one of a number of candidates nominated to succeed outgoing chair Sean Dunnion, whose five-year term is up, at convention on December 8 in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey. Currently secretary of her local St Naul’s club, Coughlan was Tánaiste in the Irish Government from 2008-2011. The former Fianna Fáil TD is a surprise choice and is likely to face stiff opposition for the post, as distinct from Kennedy who was elected unopposed after serving previously as vice-chair and PRO and establishing a proven track record at board level. Other more experienced officials are believed to be in the running for the Donegal post including fellow St Naul’s member and current treasurer Cieran Kelly, Niall Erskine (Killybegs), Frankie Doherty (St Eunan’s) and Grace Boyle (Termon). ÷LIMERICK hurling manager John Kiely has included eight rookies in his new-look squad for next season. Daragh Fanning, Paddy O’Loughlin, Thomas Grimes, Andrew La Touche Cosgrave, Conor Boylan, Oisin O’Reilly, Barry Murphy and Seamus Flanagan are all in the squad, which includes 16 of this year’s All-Ireland Under-21 panel. The squad also sees the return of Na Piarsaigh’s Kevin Downes, who missed last season because of a cruciate knee injury, while David Reidy returns after a stint with Kildare.