Several managerial changes amongst intermediate clubs

THE Intermediate managerial ranks have seen a number of changes for 2012 with South Kerry connections very much to the fore.

John Mitchels have turned to former All-ireland Intermediate winning manager with St Michaels/foilmore James Mike O’sullivan to steer the club to former glories. O’sullivan has not managed since the 2009 season but comes with an impressive track record after not only leading his native club to the All-ireland title but also steering the club to their first two South Kerry Championship triumphs in 2007 and 2008.

The other South Kerry related change sees Patie O’mahony leave Knocknagoshel for his native parish of Portmagee as he takes over from John O’driscoll at Skellig Rangers. O’mahony was the manager of his adopted parish of Beale when the South Kerry side defeated them in the 2008 Junior Final.

In another South Kerry change John O’dwyer has replaced Brendan Donnelly as manager of Intermediate finalists Waterville while Dromid Pearses are waiting until after they complete their All-ireland Junior Club Championship campaign before making any announcement on whether Michael Anthony O’connell will be staying on with the club. An Gaeltacht have new management as well in 2012 with Maurice Fenton replacing Tomas O Muircheartaigh.

One of the eagerly anticipated ties of the First Round in the Intermediate Championship will see Listowel Emmets and Finuge do battle but they will do so under new management after both clubs confirmed that Billy Lee and John Colbert respectively will be stepping down for the coming year. Both clubs hope to appoint new managerial teams within the next fortnight.

Keel also will have a new manager come the time of their First Round match with Ardfert with the new manager expected to be confirmed in the coming days. Pat O’driscoll’s return to Ardfert was already confirmed prior to Christmas.

2009 Intermediate Champions Spa will be coached by Kenmare native PJ Reidy once more this season while the team they defeated in that year’s final Currow are awaiting their present management team intentions before making any announcement.

Fellow East Kerry side Glenflesk are expected to make an announcement on their own management team shortly as well.

Annascaul will also have a new manager this year with Pat Mckenna stepping down. After leading St Marys to their third consecutive South Kerry title on Christmas Eve both Paul O’connell and Gerdy O’sullivan remain on at the outgoing All-ireland Junior Club champions while Dr David Geaney and Martin Horgan are expected to continue on with their own double act at Castleisland Desmonds.

Castlegregory, meanwhile, are yet to make their announcement on their manager next week.