Carey ousted by player unrest

DISGRUNTLED players forced the resignation of Kerry hurling manager Ciaran Carey, The Kerryman has learned.

Carey announced his resignation as manager last Sunday night citing “increased work commitments” as the reason for opting out of the second year of his agreed two-year term. However, The Kerryman has learned that a meeting of some of the 2016 county hurling panel took place last week at which dissatisfac- tion with Carey was expressed. It’s believed that a small core of players were critical of elements of Carey’s management last season and some questioned the management team’s plans for the 2017 season.

Carey issued a statement on Sunday night stating that “due to increased work commitments I am unable to give the necessary time required to manage the Kerry Senior hurling team for the coming season. I wish to thank my management team, the full panel of players and the back-room team for their support and commitment in delivering a very successful 2016 season... I would like to wish the Kerry players the very best for the coming season.”

The County Board thanked Ciarán and his management team of Mark Foley, James McCarthy and Mike Conway for “their time, dedication and commitment during the past year”.

Kerry Hurling Officer declined to comment further on the matter when contacted on Tuesday.

The timing of Carey’s departure - over six months after Kerry completed their Leinster SHC campaign on May 22 - is far from ideal, and leaves the County Committee with just five weeks to find a manager before Kerry play their opening game in the Munster Senior League on January 8.

Former Cork hurling team coach Frank Flannery is one name being linked to the vacancy. Flannery stepped down as Cork hurling coach in August, and the Carrigtwohill native, who lives in Kanturk, is thought to be available at the moment.

Flannery has worked Cork underage teams, the Waterford hurlers, the Milford camogie team and in 2015 he guided Oulart-the Ballagh to a Wexford SHC and a Leinster Club SHC title. He also has worked with some of Kerry’s hurling clubs in a coaching capacity and coached Ardfert to the Senior Club title in 2013.

Others linked with the vacancy are former Kilmoyley and Dublin manager Anthony Daly, and current Kilmoyley manager Fergie O’Loughlin. Kerry’s minor team manager Ian Brick could also be in line to assume the position.