Seems like wheels are in motion.
Donoghue decision paves way for native Galway return
Galway have been on the lookout for a manager since Henry Shefflin stepped down after they were knocked out of the Leinster championship by Dublin at Pearse Stadium by 2-27 to 1-14 in May
Former Dublin manager MicheĂĄl Donoghue could be set for a return to his home county
Thu, 08 Aug, 2024 - 20:39
John Fallon
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MicheĂĄl Donoghueâs decision to step down as Dublin manager has paved the way for him to return and take charge of his native Galway.
Galway have been on the lookout for a manager since Henry Shefflin stepped down after they were knocked out of the Leinster championship by Dublin at Pearse Stadium by 2-27 to 1-14 in May.
Galway chairman Paul Bellew made it clear that the preference of the Galway hierarchy was to appoint a local manager this time after stints with Shefflin and Limerickâs Shane OâNeill since Donoghue vacated the position in 2019.
Donoghue, who took over in Galway from Anthony Cunningham in 2015, guided them to their first All-Ireland title since 1988 when they defeated Waterford in the final two years later.
Turloughmoreâs Francis Forde and Meelick/Eyrecourtâs Noel Larkin, who served with him during his stint in charge of Galway, were also part of Donoghueâs management team during his two years over Dublin.
Donoghueâs possible return to Galway could also mean a continuation of former Tipperary manager Eamon OâShea as part of the management in charge of the Tribesmen.
OâShea, who lives in Salthill, came on board during Shefflinâs final year in charge and has a long association with Donoghue, which included bringing the Clarinbridge native on board as part of his Tipperary management in 2014.
Donoghueâs club Clarinbridge will kick off the 2024 Galway SHC this Friday evening when they take on Moycullen at Pearse Stadium.
And with both OâNeill and Shefflin not being appointed until October, Galway are anxious to get their new manager on board much earlier this year.
The manner of their misfiring season this year suggests a significant rebuild is on the cards for the new Galway manager and the manner in which Donoghue carried out such a rebuild in his two years in charge of Dublin will not have been lost on the power-brokers in Galway.