Dolan takes Clann na nGael reins as Athlone appoint new manager

THE local Gaelic football managerial merry-go-round kicked into full swing this week, with the biggest news occurring in the South Roscommon region, where Des Dolan Snr has been appointed as Clann na nGael's new manager. Dolan, who stepped down as Leitrim manager in the summer of 2008, takes over the reins after Enon Gavin departed Clann na nGael following two years in charge. Gavin oversaw a mini-resurgence with Clann in recent years, reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the Roscommon SFC. The former Roscommon All-Star recently took over as Catledaly's new manager. Gavin will fill the shoes of Tubber native Padraig Farrell, who memorably led Castledaly to a first ever Westmeath SFC title in 2008, and who now becomes Tang's new manager, taking the place of Sean Burke. Also, Athlone will have a new man in charge for the coming year, as former St Dominic's manager Malachy Gately takes up the mantle from ex-Castledaly manager Brendan Clarke, who has been appointed manager of Caulry. Clann na nGael supporters will be hoping Des Dolan's arrival in Johnstown can signal a revival in their playing fortunes, as they have failed to win a senior county title since 1996. Although performances have improved somewhat over the past couple of years, Clann have still fallen well short of going all the way, with Castlerea St Kevin's capturing the last two county titles. Dolan, who led Ballymahon to a Longford SFC title in 2002, was viewed as a contender to take over from Tomás " Flatharta when he left his post as Westmeath manager. However, that role was subsequently given to Brendan Hackett, a move that many observers believe has led to Dolan's son, Dessie, not making himself available to the Westmeath senior set-up since. Most recently, Dolan had been doing some coaching work with Shamrocks in Offaly. Dolan will be one of three new managers in South Roscommon this year, as Ballymore native and former Roscommon minor team manager Noel O'Brien recently took over at neighbours St Brigid's, while St Dominic's are also searching for a new manager at present. St Dominic's PRO Billy Morris told the 'Westmeath Independent' that no appointment has yet been made after Malachy Gately's departure to Athlone. "There's two or three people in the reckoning at the moment and they'll be spoken to over the next few days. We hope to have a new manager by next week," Morris said. Former Athlone manager Jack Murray, meanwhile, is staying on as Padraig Pearses manager for another campaign. Pearses reached the quarter-final stage of the championship last year but lost out to eventual champions Castlerea St Kevin's by two points. Castlerea also defeated Pearses in the previous year's county final following a replay, when Jack Murray worked alongside then-manager Eamonn Mahon, who himself has recently left his position as Moate All-Whites manager. Moate, who struggled through last year's Westmeath IFC campaign but managed to retain intermediate status, are going down a less-traditional route to replace Eamonn Mahon. Former Moate players John Murray and Kit Gillivan have already been appointed to the coaching staff for the coming year and will also be joined by another, as yet unnamed, coach. Moate club official Joe Whelan said: "The two lads (Murray and Gillivan) will be working alongside someone else as a management team. We would hope to finalise the management set-up within a month." Moate's neighbours, Rosemount, are also looking for a fresh start under the guidance of former Westmeath hurling manager Eamonn Gallagher, who fills the void vacated by Gary Daly's departure. A native of Dalystown, Gallagher has also managed Killucan footballers and Raharney hurlers in the past. Like Moate, Rosemount also had a difficult campaign last time out, winning just once in the intermediate championship group stage, but still managed to avoid relegation to junior football. Elsewhere, both Anthony Cunningham and Finbar Egan will be looking to build upon their recent successes at Garrycastle and Maryland respectively, after both managers this week confirmed they are staying on at their respective clubs for the coming year. Garrycastle are reigning senior county champions and also reached the final of the Leinster Club SFC, while Maryland enjoyed a very solid first campaign back at senior level after winning the intermediate crown the previous year. And Tom Lennon, who last year oversaw Tubberclair's Westmeath IFC title win and a great run to the Leinster Club IFC final, is also remaining on. Lennon said: "We're looking forward to playing at a higher level and the players will want to mix it with the best players in the county." Meanwhile, St Joseph's (Horseleap/Streamstown) have appointed Nicky Weir from Raharney as manager of their junior team.