Pat Gilroy poised to take over as Dublin hurling boss

Former football manager expected to see off the challenge of Cuala’s Mattie Kenny

Pat Gilroy: led Dublin to their breakthrough 2011 All-Ireland football success – the county’s first win since 1995. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Pat Gilroy: led Dublin to their breakthrough 2011 All-Ireland football success – the county’s first win since 1995. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Former Dublin football manager Pat Gilroy remains favourite to take over the county's senior hurlers.

The twice postponed county board meeting could take place on Friday night with Gilroy expected to see off Cuala's All-Ireland club hurling-winning manager Mattie Kenny.

Both Gilroy and Kenny will be considered by the Dublin management committee before a single candidate is put to the full county committee for ratification.

Gilroy is understood to be bringing former Galway hurling manager Anthony Cunningham on board in a coaching capacity. The successful businessman ended Dublin's 16-wait for a football All-Ireland in 2011, before stepping down in 2012, citing work commitments abroad.

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However, Gilroy has been based in Dublin for the last six months. The position is due to be offered on a three-year term.

As well as his notable football success, the 45-year-old does have a hurling background, having made his senior debut with St Vincent’s before his football breakthrough. He also won Dublin U15 and U16 hurling championship medals with the club, under the guidance of the late Lar Foley.

Cunningham led Galway to the 2012 and 2015 All-Ireland finals, losing both to Kilkenny, and is also a former All-Ireland winning hurler (twice with Galway, in 1987 and ’88).

The new manager is expected to entice several established Dublin hurlers, who either left or were dropped off the panel by former manager Ger Cunningham, back into the fold.

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent