Two of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era will be teaming up on the sideline next season.
Former Cork netminder Donal Óg Cusack has been added to Davy Fitzgerald’s backroom team for 2016.
The three-time All-Ireland winner and Sunday Game pundit has been dipping his toe in coaching in his native Cork but will make his first foray into the intercounty game alongside his former rival Fitzgerald.
In a show of commitment he has retired from hurling with his club Cloyne, resigned his role with RTÉ and will not seek another term as chairman of the Gaelic Players Association.
BREAKING: 3 time All Ireland winner with Cork @DonalOgC has been confirmed as a coach with the Clare Senior Hurlers for 2016 #GAA
— Clare FM (@ClareFM) October 26, 2015
It was another disappointing summer for the 2013 All-Ireland champions. Relegated from Division 1 of the Allianz League, they were knocked out of the Munster SHC by neighbours Limerick.
The Banner recorded their first Championship win since 2013 final replay by beating Offaly in the first round of the Qualifiers, however their season was ended by Cork in the next round, the Rebels prevailing 0-20 to 0-17 over.
Some observers, including Fitzgerald’s former manager Ger Loughnane, began to question whether the one-time Waterford boss should be retained for another year, with some pointing to the influence wielded by Fitzgerald’s father Pat, the county secretary.
Cusack is one of three additions to the set-up with coach Aonghus O’Brien coming on board, along with strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Payne.
The introduction of the trio should help freshen up a panel that has been on the road together for quite some time, considering their young age profile.
Tensions have been appearing, first with the decision of All-Star forward Podge Collins to opt for football ahead of hurling this year and then the controversy over the punishment of two players, which saw Davy O’Halloran leave the panel.
Sorry to see you leave RTE @DonalOgC good luck as selector with Davy Fitz & Clare hurlers next season. Great appointment #GAA
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) October 26, 2015
Cusack’s punditry on the Sunday Game hinted at a shrewd tactical operator but it will be fascinating to see how himself and Fitzgerald work together.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and want to thank Davy Fitzgerald for the opportunity,” said Cusack in a statement.
“Ahead of assuming my coaching position in Clare, I have met with RTE and following mutual agreement I have been released from my contract. I would like to sincerely thank RTE for the experience they have given me.
“I will be seeing out my term as Chairperson of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) which will come to an end this year.
“I have also spoken with my local club, Cloyne to confirm my decision to retire from club hurling. I would like to thank the club for the support it has shown me throughout my career.”
Fitzgerald made the announcement, along with releasing a provisional 34-man panel for 2016, which includes Podge Collins, but not O’Halloran.
“I am delighted to welcome Donal Óg, Aonghus and Jimmy to the setup. Their collective experience and expertise will further strengthen the already high quality backroom team in place.”
“Over the next few weeks, there may be one or two additions announced to the backroom team and the panel. It is my intention to finalise the Provisional panel at the end of January ahead of the commencement of the Allianz National Hurling League,” said Fitzgerald.
They have one of the most exciting collection of young hurlers in the country but have failed to click for a couple of years, can Cusack be the key to unlocking their potential?
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