Catch up on all of the GAA’s breaking news from around the country, including an ageless veteran switching codes, another Tipp injury blow and a second coming in Roscommon.
Treaty legend Carey to switch codes
There’s no end to Ciarรกn Carey with the Limerick hurling legend set to switch codes and line out for the Treaty Masters footballers later this year.
Carey has been included in the county’s Masters (Over 40s) football squad at the ripe age of 53 as the Shannonsiders compete at this level for the first time.
The Patrickswell clubman, a three-time All-Star, is still lining out at Junior ‘B’ level for his club and he is set to show off his football skills with the competition (which already has 24 counties involved) set to kick off in early May.
Connolly ruled out for season as Tipp woes deepen
Liam Cahill must be cursing his luck at present with the Tipperary hurling manager forced to plan without Ciarรกn Connolly for the remainder of this season.
The Loughmore-Castleiney midfielder opted out of last year’s squad to travel but his return had been seen as a big boost to Cahill’s squad for 2023 before a problematic hip injury hindered his progress.
That same injury looks set to require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation as the 2019 All-Ireland U20HC winner is added to a casualty list which already includes Paddy Cadell (cruciate), Cathal Barrett (shoulder), Niall O’Meara (groin) and Ger Browne (knee).
Qualter bids to steady Rossie ship in second coming
Sรฉamus Qualter has been confirmed as Roscommon senior hurling manager for a second time as the Galway native returns to the helm after Francis O’Halloran stepped down amid controversy earlier this month.
O’Halloran departed citing a lack of player commitment but Roscommon chiefs have moved quickly to fill the hot seat with the experienced Qualter chosen to steady the Rossies amid choppy waters.
Qualter, who led Westmeath to Christy Ring Cup success in 2005 and 2007, has been busy on the Roscommon club scene in recent seasons having led Athleague to senior glory in 2018 as well as a successful stint with Tremane.
Qualter will be assisted by Daithรญ Hand (coach), the former Sligo manager who led the Yeats men to Lory Meagher and Nickey Rackard Cup titles in 2018/’19, and Peter Galvin (selector) with their first Division 3A League tie coming this Sunday away to Fermanagh.
