Anthony Daly looks set to remove himself from the race to be the next Clare hurling manager.
Interviews for the position are set to take place later this week, but in a statement on Friday night, the former Banner hurler stated that he would not be proceeding with his candidacy for the sake of unity in the county.
Daly had thrown his hat in the ring shortly after the announcement of Fitzgerald's departure, although it would have meant that the county would be giving him a second stint at the helm, after he managed them from 2004 to 2006.
However, Daly's success with Dublin, leading them to a league title in 2011 and a Leinster title in 2013 meant he was a leading candidate to take over and push the county on from their 2013 All-Ireland success.
Gerry O'Connor and Donal Moloney now look set to be the pair installed as the managerial team, and in his statement, Daly advised the county board to ratify their appointment.
"Ever since I left the Clare job in 2006, it was always my dream to go back and manage my county again," said Daly. "But I also believe that we need unity in the county now and I don’t want this to be a divisive contest with Donal and Gerry."
Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie
"They did a brilliant job with a lot of these players at minor and U21 level. They won three All-Ireland U21s in a row, which was a massive achievement.
"They are ambitious guys who naturally want the senior job now, and they are entitled to their shot at it. I can’t say that I didn’t get it once before, and maybe, who knows, I may have again. But at this stage, I feel it’s time for me to step back and let the two lads at it.
"After the last few months, I feel very strongly about the unity of Clare hurling, and ensuring that the Banner has total togetherness going forward. I don’t want any friction between clubs over a contest. I don’t want players to be in this camp, or that camp, and the potential fall-out that may have down the line."
Daly's decision to step aside was not the only big hurling news on Friday evening, as Davy Ftizgerald was also confirmed as Wexford senior manager. The former Clare manager has been appointed for a three-year term, with a review to take place in two years' time.
Via The Examiner
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