Johnny Doyle and Sean O'Brien have teamed up in establishing an app that connects clubs with potential managers and coaches.
Launched this week, Clinched simplifies the often-difficult process of finding the right personnel to fill such vacancies by using an effective algorithm.
Clubs and individuals can sign up to the app for free, and clubs are only charged when they choose to access a list of suitable candidates who have 'expressed an interest in their role.'
Johnny Doyle told Balls that former Kildare footballer Padraig Fogarty came up with the idea first of all, with the aim of simplifying the recruitment process for clubs and teams.
Kildare footballer Padraig Fogarty. Sportsfile.
"Podge had mentioned to me there has to be an easier way when you're looking to fill positions," says Doyle.
"I'd have had it myself as well when Allenwood were looking to fill a position and you come up with a list of potential names.
"You ring someone, you talk for an hour about football, family and all sorts and all of a sudden then an hour later you ask them if they've any interest in being our manager... and then they say 'Jesus John I've no interest in that!"
It's the first app of its kind, catering for GAA and rugby teams while giving coaches an idea surrounding vacancies that may suit them.
"Clubs can use it as a platform to advertise a position, there's a bank of coaches with their profile on the App and they can apply. Then the club can see there's one interested party. Hopefully there's five or ten."
"It's up to the club then, we just put the club and coach in the room together."
"It's been a good start. Maybe 200 people have signed up and a few clubs, and we're hoping to add different things to it as times go on."
"I suppose the aim is that it gives people a coach that they wouldn't have thought of 'oh I never realised they were living up the road' that kind of thing.
"Because the community thing has changed, rather than just your own network, there's probably people out there who can help your club."
"As Irish people, we've a thing where we like to keep our cards close to our chest. So people won't know your on the App until you've expressed an interest in their role."
Now that he's retired from club football, will Doyle be using the app himself as a prospective coach?
"I'll be nosing," he laughs.
"I would have said no but as soon as I finished up playing I got a job managing the Allenwood U23s so I'm back stuck in the middle of it.
"Look I'll always be involved, I like coaching, I like being on the field, trying to help. So you'll never be too far away.
"I don't know if I'll be managing a team next year.
"If I wasn't I wouldn't be too upset. I've three young kids. I'm working in the GAA full-time, so you're never too far away from it. To be honest, if I got a year where I didn't have to be in a field of a Tuesday and Thursday, that would be okay, I've been on the clock long enough."
22 October 2024; Clinched was launched today in Dublin by four of its co-founders, chief executive officer Brendan Tallon, chief executive officer, chief technology officer Shane Molloy, and directors Johnny Doyle and Seán O'Brien. The Clinched app is available to download on Apple and android devices and further information and a video explaining the app is available on www.clinched.ie. Pictured are, from left, chief executive officer Brendan Tallon, director Johnny Doyle, director Seán O'Brien, and chief technology officer Shane Molloy.
