No stone left unturned as Wicklow look to harness power
Oisín McConville has confirmed he will remain as the manager of the Wicklow Gaelic football team for a fifth season. The decision follows a successful period for the team and mutual interest between the manager and the county board.
Why it matters
Managerial stability is a key factor in the performance of regional sports teams, particularly for smaller counties aiming to compete at higher levels.
In the end, it was a very simple equation. Oisín McConville wanted to know that Wicklow still wanted him, Wicklow wanted to know if McConville still wanted them.
The first part was an easy yes, but the second was potentially trickier. After Wicklow's brilliant Tailteann Cup triumph , the Armagh man’s stock was never higher. A cluster of county and high-profile club positions awaited him, if he so wished.
Wicklow chairman Damien Byrne was also conscious to give his manager as much space as he wanted. McConville's mother Margaret – herself so revered in the Orchard County – died just over a month ago.
In the end when the time was right to chat, it was an easy yes for McConville too. Earlier this week it was confirmed that the 2002 All-Ireland winner would take charge of the Garden County for a fifth season.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in