Dunning to take temporary charge of the 'Castle

WITH the end of Garrycastle's All-Ireland club campaign last Saturday also came the completion of Anthony Cunningham's glorious tenure in charge of the club's senior team. Cunningham led Garrycastle to a historic three-in-a-row of Westmeath SFC titles (2009-2011), and also became the first manager to lead a Westmeath club team to Leinster club glory. However, as Cunningham was appointed Galway senior hurling manager last October, it was always made clear that the Kiltoom resident would amicably part company with Garrycastle once their championship campaign had come to an end. Last Saturday, Cunningham's tenure ended in regrettable circumstances, as Garrycastle couldn't repeat the heroics of their All-Ireland final draw against Crossmaglen Rangers in the replay played at Breffni Park in Cavan. Now though, Garrycastle are seeking a suitable replacement to fill the huge void left by Cunningham's departure. Garrycastle are pencilled in to play Mullingar Shamrocks in the All-County Football League Division 1 on Sunday (Garrycastle, 11.30am), and have little time before the defence of their Westmeath SFC begins later this month. The first round is due to take place on the weekend of April 21-22). Speaking in the aftermath of Saturday's replay defeat to Crossmaglen, club chairman John Henson publicly thanked Anthony Cunningham for his "amazing service" to Garrycastle, and said the club "will not rush into appointing a replacement". Henson confirmed that Cunningham's right-hand man, Aidan Dunning, will take temporary charge of team affairs until a permanent manager is appointed. He said Dunning does not want to be considered for the senior team post, and is delighted to continue his role as intermediate team manager (he guided the club junior team to county success late last year), and will also continue to form part of the senior backroom team. The chairman said the club hopes to have a new senior team manager in place in the build-up to the start of the championship. "We have league games to deal with first, but I suppose the big issue is having the right man in place for the start of the championship," said Henson. "Our first game of the championship is against Tyrrellspass on the week-ending April 22, and we'd hope to have a new manager appointed before then. We certainly won't be rushed into making a decision, but there's three or four names in our minds. No enquiries have yet been made, we've been far too busy with the All-Ireland finals, but I'm sure something will happen very quickly," he added. Henson said the Garrycastle board were due to meet last night (Tuesday) to discuss the issue, and added that some senior players would be included in the process of seeking the new manager. "This is a massive appointment for the club, following the success of Anthony Cunningham and the team. It's very important we get the right man and that's what we're looking to do over the coming weeks," said Henson.