It is a case of third time lucky for John McIntyre - the newly appointed manager of Galway hurling.
The former Tipperary player and Offaly boss was ratified as Ger Loughnane’s successor at Tuesday night’s Galway hurling board meeting in Athenry. The appointment is for two years.
McIntyre’s appointment comes as something of a surprise, having beaten off favourite Michael Bond,who led Offaly to a famous All-Ireland victory in 1998, with a team that included former players Joe Cooney, Steve Mahon, and Michael Coleman.
The other candidate who was shortlisted after the initial eight was reduced to three was former boss Noel Lane.
McIntyre is the sports editor of the Connacht Tribune newspaper. Twice before he had attempted to net the top job, but failed. Now he will take Galway into the Leinster Championship and attempt to bring some long-awaited glory to the Tribesmen.
McIntyre’s extensive CV includes managing Offaly twice, and a host of clubs, Kinvara, Abbeyknockmoy, Loughrea, and Clarenbridge, which he led to a county title.
He is also boosted by a strong management team that comprises Joe Connolly, former Galway captain of the successful 1980 All-Ireland team, former minor manager John Hardiman, and under 21 selector John Moylan.
Candidates who did not make the final cut were Jimmy Heverin, former manager Mattie Murphy, Vincent Mullins, Anthony Cunningham, and Gerry Spellman.
