Manager (Gaelic games)

In Gaelic games, a manager or coach (Irish: Bainisteoir) is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such actions as needed. Most managers are former players themselves, and are assisted by a group of selectors.

History

The term manager or coach emerged outright in the 1970s as a direct influence of the BBC programme Match of the Day. A huge proportion of the east coast of Ireland, particularly Dublin, was able to watch this programme. Unwittingly the programme played a huge role in changing the management structure of Gaelic Athletic Association teams as the Dublin football revival of the 1970s evolved.^{[citation needed]}

Throughout the history of the GAA teams were usually run by selection panels. These groups generally had five members, however, on some occasions there could be up to ten selectors. These large selection panels often resulted in self-interest overtaking sound judgement. On many occasions certain selectors could be accused of favouring players from their own clubs. By the early 1970s the GAA began to take note of the merits of having an all-powerful soccer-style manager accompanied by assistants. In 1973 Dublin appointed Kevin Heffernan as manager of their football team. It was the first time in the GAA’s history that a manager with substantial powers was appointed.^{[citation needed]}

Other counties soon followed suit by having a strong manager supported by a small selection panel. The term 'manager' is commonly used these days when referring to Gaelic football and hurling.

Notable Managers

Hurling

Name	Team(s)	All-Ireland SHC titles
Brian Cody	Kilkenny	2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Cyril Farrell	Galway	1980, 1987, 1988
Dermot Healy	Offaly	1981, 1985
Pat Henderson	Kilkenny	1979, 1982, 1983
Michael 'Babs' Keating	Galway, Tipperary, Laois, Offaly	1989, 1991
Ger Loughnane	Clare, Galway	1995, 1997
Tommy Maher	Kilkenny	1957, 1963, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1975
Bertie Troy	Cork	1976, 1977, 1978
Ollie Walsh	Kilkenny	1992, 1993

Football

Name	Team(s)	All-Ireland SFC titles
Seán Boylan	Meath	1987, 1988, 1996, 1999
Éamonn Coleman	Derry	1993
Fr. Tom Gilhooly	Offaly	1971, 1972
Tony Hanahoe	Dublin	1977
Mickey Harte	Tyrone	2003, 2005, 2008
Kevin Heffernan	Dublin	1974, 1976, 1983
Joe Kernan	Armagh	2002
Brian McEniff	Donegal	1992
Eugene McGee	Offaly	1982
Pete McGrath	Down	1991, 1994
Billy Morgan	Cork	1989, 1990
Jack O'Connor	Kerry	2004, 2006, 2009
Mick O'Dwyer	Kerry, Kildare Laois, Wicklow	1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986
John O'Mahony	Galway, Leitrim Mayo	1998, 2001
Páidí Ó Sé	Kerry, Westmeath Clare	1997, 2000