Tomás Ó Sé looks like the main contender to become the new Offaly manager after John Maughan stepped down after four years in the job this morning. Offaly GAA are yet to make an announcement of who will be replacing Maughan, but Kerry legend is in prime position to take on his first job as an intercounty manager.
Maughan led Offaly to the Tailteann Cup semifinals this season before being beaten by eventual champions Westmeath. Offaly were relegated from Division 2 this year and also crashed out of the Leinster SFC in the first round after a disappointing loss to Wexford.
The five-time All-Ireland champion and former All-Star looks best placed to succeed Maughan. Ó Sé was a member of the coaching staff this season with Offaly last season and his knowledge and relationship with the players could prove vital in his chances at landing the role.
29 May 2022; Offaly selector Tomás O Sé and manager John Maughanduring the Tailteann Cup Round 1 match between Offaly and Wicklow at O'Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Offaly GAA released this statement on Wednesday morning, thanking John Maughan for his time at the county.
"Offaly senior football manager John Maughan has stepped down after four years at the helm of our senior football team,
"Offaly GAA want to sincerely thank John and all his backroom team for their commitment and dedication towards our senior football team throughout their tenure.
"Uibh Fhailí Cathaoirleach Michael Duignan thanked John for his positive contribution to Offaly football over the past four years and he wishes John and his family every best wish and success in the future."
Statement from Offaly GAA pic.twitter.com/XM9BzW6YSQ
— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) July 13, 2022
Michael Duignan on Tomás O'Sé
Speaking last month on the BBC's GAA Social podcast about Ó Sé's future in Offaly, County Board Chairman Michael Duignan said Ó Sé would be 'interested' in the role, were a vacancy to come up:
"Obviously Tomás would be a contender.
"There’s a process actually. There’s a bye-law, we have to take nominations from the clubs.
"We’ve to go through the process. I couldn’t sit here and say Tomás Ó Sé will be the next Offaly manager.
"I think Tomás Ó Sé will be in the running and I think he will be interested."
With a number of the victorious Offaly u20 All-Ireland winners from back in 2021 starting to come through the ranks, Ó Sé could be the man to bring Offaly football back to the heights it once reached.
SEE ALSO: GAA Explain Cause Of HawkEye Issue During Derry Vs Galway Semi-Final
