Offaly hurling legend Joe Dooley has been surprisingly relieved of his duties as coach of Toomevara, even though he has guided the team to the semi-final of the North senior hurling championship semi-finals. The 2001 county champions take on Newport at the weekend for a place in the North decider and the club have confirmed that the remaining three selectors of Matt O'Meara, Pat King and Rory Brislane will look after the team. Neither the club or Dooley would comment on the reason for the 37-year-old's dismissal, speculation is rife that the players were not happy with the former All-star's training methods with the club. The three times All-Ireland medal winner still plays club hurling with Seir Kieran's after retiring from a long distinguished inter-county career a few years ago. A number of names have been linked to the vacancy with the front runners being Antrim manager Dinny Cahill, former Tipperary manager Nicky English and current Offaly coach Mike McNamara, but as yet no-one has been appointed. Tweet

Most Read Stories