Antrim have confirmed that Darren Gleeson will remain as their senior hurling manager after agreeing a new two-year term.
Gleeson’s three year tenure with the Saffrons ended following their battling defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland SHC Qualifiers, just one week after Antrim had defeated Kerry to win the Joe McDonagh Cup for the second time in three seasons.
There had been speculation that the Tipperary native might not return given the arduous travelling involved with the role and he’d also been linked to a number of managerial vacancies elsewhere.
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Indeed, earlier this week, a Tipperary GAA podcast, The Premier View, claimed Gleeson had been interviewed for the Waterford job after Liam Cahill succeeded Colm Bonnar as Tipp boss last month.
Antrim were understandably keen to retain Gleeson’s services as they look ahead to another season in Division One and a return to Liam MacCarthy Cup hurling in 2023.
A statement read: “Antrim County Board are delighted to announce that Darren Gleeson has been confirmed as our Senior Hurling Manager on a two year term with an option for a third year.
“Darren and his team have made fantastic strides in his current term, and we look forward to playing in Division 1 of the Hurling league and in the Leinster Championship in 2023.”
It is understood that Gleeson’s backroom team of Johnny Campbell, Jim Close and Gary O’Kane will also stay on.
The news comes just as the Antrim hurling Championships are set to get under way this weekend and the county management team will be keen to unearth some fresh talent for next season.
However, they’ll also be hoping to convince the likes of Neil McManus to stay on for at least one more season.
McManus is currently mulling over his inter-county future and the 34-year-old is unlikely to make a firm decision until Cushendall’s interest in the club Championship ends.
Yet, speaking immediately after the Cork loss in Corrigan Park, McManus insisted that Antrim ought to retain Gleeson as their manager.
“It’s really important that there’s no chopping and changing because I can see massive development,” McManus stated at the time.
“It’s a massive commitment (for Gleeson), nobody underestimates that.
“But he’s passionate about it, he’s full of energy every night he arrives, so there’s never an excuse for us not to be.”
That Antrim have secured Gleeson's services for another two seasons might help convince McManus and a few others to put their shoulder to the wheel for another campaign.
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