Baker to continue as Offaly hurling boss

Ollie Baker was reappointed as Offaly senior hurling manager at the county board meeting held earlier this week. The Tullamore-based Garda sergeant had a somewhat mixed first season in charge of the Faithful County, but they were some signs of promise for the future. The former Clare star, who won All-Ireland medals in 1995 and '97, will be looking for a new selector after Paudge Mulhare stepped down from the role. It has been confirmed that former Offaly star Mark Corrigan will be continuing as a selector. In the 2012 season, Offaly missed out on a shot at promotion in the Allianz League, having narrowly failed to reach the Division IB final. However, Baker's charges went on to claim a long-awaited championship victory over Wexford. Offaly's hopes of further progress in Leinster were ended at the semi-final stage, where they suffered a heavy defeat to eventual provincial champions Galway. Offaly were knocked out of the All-Ireland race by Cork, but Baker's side produced a creditable display despite the defeat in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Meanwhile, Emmett McDonnell has been ratified as Offaly senior and U21 football manager for the coming year. The St Mary's, Edenderry teacher is expected to announce his selectors in the coming weeks.