In a surprise development Timmy O'Connor has turned-down an offer to manage the Limerick U21 hurling team!

The vacancy arose earlier this month after the shock decision of Declan Fitzgerald to quit after half-way his two-year term.

Fitzgerald, previously of Buttevant and now closely associated with the sport at Castletroy College, was a surprise choice for the position last season—he was trainer of the Limerick minor side, which gave the county a massive fillip by qualifying for the 2005 All-Ireland Final against Galway.

O'Connor was manager of the minors and was hotly-tipped to progress on to the U21 management's job. Others in the running this time last year included the multi-decorated Ciaran Carey, whose management team included newly installed Kerry senior boss Pat Heffernan and legendary Limerick defender Stephen McDonogh.

A selection committee, comprising of two County Executive members and a number of divisional representatives, at the time appointed Fitzgerald to the position.

This time around, another committee proposed O'Connor to take over at the helm but the Na Piarsaigh stalwart has turned-down the position.

"It's a bit late in the day to be looking for a manager of a county team," O'Connor told the Limerick Independent.

"I was prepared to take the job last year, but it was a done deal before the interview process. In my view, the committee had their minds made-up even before the interviews were held—even the dogs on the streets knew who was going to get the position. To put one of our greatest hurlers in Ciaran Carey through such an ordeal when the result was already known, was wrong."

He continued: "In my opinion, there is no need for interviews. Once the committee has made a decision, that is that and the person is put before the County Board for full ratification." O'Connor is also club-tied this season, due to his involvement as a selector with the Na Piarsaigh SH team and the minor squad.

Ger Hegarty of Old Christians is now a front-runner to manage the Limerick U21s, who are drawn away to Waterford at Walsh Park in the opening round, with the winners then up against Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Last year, an underrated Waterford XV stunned Limerick at the semi-final stage at the Gaelic Grounds. At the outset of this New Millennium, Dave Keane's Limerick reigned supreme at national and provincial at this grade, securing a coveted hat-trick of wins.

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