Donal Moloney has confirmed that he will not be seeking appointment as Clare senior hurling manager.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Scariff man has pulled out of the race to remain at the helm of the Banner.
Along with Gerry O’Connor, Moloney led Clare to an All-Ireland semi-final losing out after a replay to Galway last year but they failed to advance from the Munster championship this year.
With both men gone from the race, Brian Lohan and Louis Mulqueen are reported to be the two candidates left with an update expected from the county board at their monthly meeting on Tuesday week.
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Statement In Full:
Donal Moloney has confirmed his decision not to seek appointment to the position of Clare Senior Hurling Manager for 2020.
Moloney had declared his interest in the position to the Clare County Board during the summer and has since met with Board officials on two separate occasions to review the 2019 season and to outline his plan and management team for the coming season.
Moloney said, “Due to the ongoing uncertainty over the process of selecting new management and despite the support I have received from the hurling squad, I do not wish to inhibit members of the existing management team and persons who had committed to coming on board for 2020 from missing out on opportunities as other counties put together their coaching teams.
“As a management team therefore, we have taken the decision to not seek another term.
“On behalf of the management team, I would like to thank the players for creating such a fantastic environment over many years and for the honesty of effort and commitment they have shown to their families, friends, their clubs and to their county.
“They have brought great honour to the Clare jersey in the 12 years I have been involved in intercounty management since 2007 from U16 level up to the senior team. I wish the group the very best for the future.
“I want to thank Club Clare Hurling Supporters for its invaluable support during the past three years. I also wish the incoming management team the very best for 2020,” concluded Moloney.
Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor were appointed Clare Senior hurling joint managers in late 2016. During their three seasons in charge they brought Clare to two Munster Finals in 2017 and 2018 and an All Ireland semi-final in 2018.
The pair previously managed Clare to an All Ireland Minor Final in 2010, guided Clare to three All Ireland U21 titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014, and oversaw Clare’s All Ireland Intermediate win in 2015.
