John McIntyre was confirmed as the new Offaly hurling manager on Monday night, November 15 - seven years after he was forced to vacate the position after just one season in charge. Under the new arrangements for Offaly managers, the Galway-based former Tipperary player has been given an initial two-year term with no review at the end of the first season. He will finalise his backroom team over the coming days. McIntyre was in charge of Offaly for one league and championship campaign in 1997 before being ousted after they lost the Leinster semi-final to the then All-Ireland champions Wexford by three points. A late Damien Fitzhenry save from Billy Dooley denied the midlanders a draw and the general consensus is that McIntyre was hard done by. He returned to the club scene afterwards and enjoyed considerable success with Clarinbridge, whom he led to an All-Ireland club final appearance in 2002 where they lost to Birr. Under Mike McNamara, Offaly reached this year's Leinster final where ironically, they lost again to a Damien Fitzhenry-inspired Wexford. If Offaly are to return to the provincial final next year, they will first have to overcome beaten All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny in the semi-final. Tweet

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