Newtownshandrum GAA

Bernie O'Connor is the new Kerry Hurling Manager

Driving into work this morning, listening to Dessie Cahill as I do most mornings, I first heard the name Bernie O'Connor, followed by "the new Kerry Hurling manager", I must say I was taken a bit by surprise.

Looking back on it now, it is a great opportunity for Bernie to make a start at Inter-County Hurling management. Nobody will expect much from him, given his lack of experience at Inter-County level, but knowing Bernie, he will get the most out of the players at his disposal.

Kerry have come on alot in the last few years and pulling out of the the Munster championship seems to have done their confidence a power of good.Last year kerry won the NHL Division 2 title beating Westmeath in the final and following that up by beating Meath in the U-21 B All-Ireland hurling final. This arguers well for Bernie and his team as it shows at least a big interest in Hurling in Kerry.

Of course Kerry's benefit will be Newtown's loss. Bernie has been a revelation with all the various Newtown teams he has coached over the years culminating in bringing the greatest honor yet bestowed on the club when winning the Senior County Championship for the first time ever in 2000. A third U-21 County title followed later that year bringing success to the club never before witnessed in the parish.

It goes without saying that he will be a massive loss to the Senior team, but he has given everything to this team over the last three years and now it's time for him to try something different. Best of luck Bernie. For a profile on Bernie O'Connor Read ...