O'Connor remaining on as Offaly U20 hurling manager

Leo O'Connor is staying on as Offaly U20 hurling boss for another year.

The 2024 All-Ireland U20 winning manager was expected to step down after the Faithful County were dethroned by Dublin at the Leinster quarter-final stage this year and was recently in the running for the vacant senior post in neighbouring Westmeath which went to local man Kevin O'Brien.

With Johnny Kelly assured of another year at the Offaly senior helm after leading them to Division 1A of the Allianz League and retaining their Liam MacCarthy Cup status, O'Connor was faced with the decision of staying with the U20s or seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere, and he has opted for the former, despite very few of the players he previously managed being still eligible for the grade.

The Limerick man's reappointment will be ratified at a county board meeting next Tuesday night, as will Mickey Harte and Declan Kelly as joint senior football managers, Johnny Kelly as senior hurling manager and Brian Carroll as minor hurling manager.

The U20 and minor football manager positions are currently vacant, with Roger Ryan - who led Offaly to a surprise Leinster MFC success this summer - expected to succeed Mark Plunkett in the U20 post.