Justin McCarthy has been nominated for the position of Limerick hurling manager for 2011.
The former Waterford chief’s controversial two-year reign came to an end when they were ousted from the Championship by Offaly some weeks ago, but – despite many being happy to see the back of him – he has been nominated as one of nine contenders to sit in the hotseat next season.
The Cork native was under fire in the role ever since axing many of last year’s Championship panel, a move that saw nearly all the others refuse to play for him and a young squad lined out for the side’s NHL and Championship campaigns.
They were subsequently relegated from Division One of the league with seven losses from seven and also lost their only summer outings against Cork and Offaly.
There have been many calls that his time should now be over, but the man himself has outlined plans for the future of hurliung in the county, and has received backing.
Among the other contenders are John Allen, who led Cork to the All-Ireland in 2005, and former Treaty heroes Gary Kirby and Ciaran Carey. John Tuohy, a selector in McCarthy’s management team this year, was also nominated.
Another ex-Limerick player, TJ Ryan, who only retired in 2008 campaign is another nominee, the list of which is completed by former senior manager Dave Keane, 2010 U21 boss Leo O’Connor and Val Murnane, who has been heavily involved with Limerick club sides over the past few seasons.
The list of nominations are now to be handed to a three-man sub-committee appointed by the Limerick county board to decide on the next county coach, with interviews to be held over the next couple of weeks.