New Treaty bosses get backing from star McCarthy

DONAL O'GRADY and TJ Ryan were ratified as joint Limerick managers last night and have already being given a vote of confidence by one of the county's top players.

The duo have been given a two-year term, with Paul Beary (Na Piarsaigh) and Mark Lyons (Kilmallock) as selectors, while Lyons also continues as strength and conditioning coach.

Limerick All Star Richie McCarthy has given his firm backing to the Treaty County's new hurling management.

"We've worked with them both previously. TJ (Ryan) was a selector with Donal (O'Grady) before, so they know us well, and are the best men for the job," he said.

Limerick had seven players nominated on the back of their Munster title, but McCarthy was the only one selected. He was picked at corner-back, despite lining out at full-back for his county.

When Ryan and O'Grady were last in charge of Limerick, McCarthy was lining out in the forwards.

The switch to defence came thanks to outgoing county manager John Allen.

"If you're a good enough hurler, you should be able to play anywhere. Thankfully, it's worked out," he said.

DONEGAL MUST EXPLAIN FIXTURES

the Donegal chairman and secretary have been called to Croke Park to discuss the controversial late start to their local championship schedule for 2014.

Donegal clubs, after meetings with the county senior football manager Jim McGuinness, voted to defer all senior club championship action next year until after the end of the county's All-Ireland campaign.

Long delays in club schedules is a constant thorn in the GAA's side and it is an issue regularly raised by the GAA's Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee and a formal complaint has come from this committee.

Donegal will be argue that many other counties also defer local games until their inter-county campaigns are finished. But it appears their decision to formally vote on, and agree to, such a deferred schedule appears to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

McGRATH SIGNS FOR FERMANAGH

Down's former two-time All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrath is the new Fermanagh senior football manager.

McGrath, who succeeds Peter Canavan, has just finished a three-year term with the Down minors. He has been given a three-year contract, which will be reviewed annually.