Ratification season has arrived.
The Kildare county board this evening confirmed that Cian O'Neill has been named as new senior football manager while Limerick's Joe Quaid is their new hurling manager. Both are getting three-year deals.
O'Neill - a part of Eamonn Fitzmaurice's Kerry backroom staff for the past three seasons - is a Kildare native and takes over from Jason Ryan as boss.
Joe Quaid and Cian O'Neill ratified as managers for 3 year terms #gaa #kildaregaa
— KfmSport (@KfmSport) October 6, 2015
The ex-Kerry trainer was chosen ahead of Glenn Ryan, who would apparently have brought nearly every living former Kildare player with him as part of his coaching team.
A Glen Ryan, Anthony Rainbow, Jonny Doyle, Dermot Early & Brian Lacey is some management ticket to turn down.
— Eamonn O Hara (@EamonnOHara8) October 5, 2015
With O'Neill exiting the Kerry set-up, speculation will surely ensue as to who Eamonn Fitzmaurice will bring in as a replacement. Donie Buckley, a Kerryman who is part of the Mayo coaching staff, is likely a prime candidate.
Picture credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE