Former Waterford managers and players will be assisting the Déise underage teams in 2021.
Jason Ryan, who has managed the Wexford and Kildare footballers, carried out a review of the academy squads over the past year and told WLR's Lár Na Páirce show that each management team will be supported by mentors this year.
Derek McGrath and Peter Queally will aid the under 14 hurling squads, former Déise defender and current Ballyhale Shamrocks boss James O’Connor will fulfil that role with the under 15s while the under 16 set-up will be helped by Fergal Hartley.
“They’re at the end of the phone if the guys have queries or questions,” Ryan explains. “I found that invaluable, especially when I started. I was able to pick up the phone and I’ll never forget the generosity of Mickey Harte, John O’Mahony, Mick O’Dwyer and Sean Boylan. They were just outstanding. I’d pick up the phone and I’d say ‘listen I’ve a little bit of an issue with this, would you have any advice?’ It was just brilliant to speak to somebody with that depth of experience and knowledge. They weren’t ramming their opinion down your throat; they were saying that these are different ways to face that challenge. The hope is that the Derek McGraths, the Peter Queallys and the James O’Connors will give that support to the managers.”
Jonathan Moore (hurling) and Benji Whelan (football) have been appointed as supervisors for the squads.
All Ireland winning minor and under 21 manager Sean Power is back with the Déise under 14 hurlers this season alongside Kieran O’Gorman (Lismore) and Ger Fitzpatrick (Mount Sion). Paul Relis from Tramore will serve as under 15 bainsteoir. Former Waterford hurler and trainer Shane Ahearne will be on the sideline with the under 16s.
Trevor Costelloe (Stradbally) and Eugene Lambert (Clan Na Gael) will look after the under 14 footballers. The under 15s will be managed by Michael Murphy from Na Gaeil while Vinny Murray from Rathgormack will take charge of the under 16s. Former Déise footballers Kenny Hassett and Shane Briggs will help the under 14s, De La Salle’s Micko Casey will lend a hand to the under 15 squad and Pat Curran from Stradbally has offered his services to the under 16s.
Ryan and the rest of the review committee aim to educate the coaches as well as the players. “We really want the coaches to be upskilled during their time with the squads. We want them to feel that they have received so much support, so much help and so much attention."
Listen back to the full interview with Jason Ryan from WLR's weekly GAA show Lár Na Páirce.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/wlrfm/jasonryandeiseacademymp3
