McDonnell takes first steps as Offaly football manager

Emmett McDonnell is wasting no time getting started in his new role as Offaly senior football manager. The Kinnegad man, who was a surprise choice for the job, will hold trials on the weekend. Players from the north of the county will get the chance to impress the new manager when the first trial is held in Rhode on Saturday, October 6. A second trial will be held for players from the south of the county, in Ferbane on Sunday, October 7. McDonnell's main objective for 2013 will be secure promotion from Division 4 of the Allianz National League following the Faithful County's relegation last spring. Following changes to the rule regarding the inter-county closed season, Offaly will be able to return to collective training on November 15, on the basis of having made an early exit from this year's championship. Prior to taking on the Offaly job, McDonnell had been in charge of Meath intermediate side, Ballinabrackey. Tom Coffey, who led the Faithful in an interim capacity during the summer and had been favourite to take the post on a permanent basis, withdrew his candidacy prior to McDonnell's appointment. McDonnell has enjoyed success at colleges' level, and led St Mary's of Edenderry to the prestigious Hogan Cup this year.