Emmet McDonnell has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant Offaly football manager's post.

The Kinnegad man, who guided St. Mary's of Edenderry to an historic Hogan Cup success earlier this year, is understood to have held talks with the special committee - comprising county board chairman Pat Teehan, secretary Martin Boland, Fr. Sean Heaney and ex-Kildare and Offaly footballer Dave Kavanagh - charged with the task of recommending a new manager.

McDonnell is currently managing Meath intermediate club side Ballinabrackey, having succeeded current Offaly U21 manager Pascal Kellaghan in the role
at the start of the year.

Stephen Darby, John Evans and Pat Flanagan are among the other names to have been linked with the post since Tom Coffey - who served as interim boss in this year's championship - withdrew his candidacy last week. Tweet

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