Bennis hits out at McCarthy appointment

Limerick manager Richie Bennis

Richie Bennis has slammed the Limerick county board, claiming Justin McCarthy’s appointment as hurling manager was "a done deal".

Former Waterford supremo McCarthy’s appointment will be officially ratified at tonight’s county board meeting. But while wishing the Cork man all the best, outgoing manager Bennis - who was one of six candidates interviewed for the position - has expressed major disappointment with the county board’s appointment process.

He said: "I’m disappointed but that’s the way things go. I wish Justin the best of luck and I’ll enjoy my retirement.

"There was no point in doing the interviews - it was a done deal anyway. How could they interview Justin, to be fair about it? I’d say it was he who interviewed them. Justin’s record speaks for itself and when we weren’t going to get it, they were right to go for an outsider and it’s what the players wanted."

Following this summer’s disastrous championship exit at the hands of Offaly, Bennis was informed that he would have to go through the nominations process again in an attempt to regain the job.

He reflected: "We know we made mistakes this year but we would have liked a year to rectify that. My contract was for two years with the option of a third. We didn’t get it but I’m not bitter.

"My immediate family are very disappointed but it goes with the territory and if you’re in this for thanks, you’re codding yourself."

The attention now turns to McCarthy’s possible selectors with Peter Finn and Brian Ryan heading the list. South Liberties man Ryan, a minor selector in 2005, trained Limerick in 1997, while Finn, who managed Kilmallock this year, also served as the county’s minor boss in 2007.

"The backroom team is not done yet and may not be finalised until the October county board meeting next week, October 14," Limerick secretary Mike O’Riordan said.

"Justin McCarthy is the name that will be put to management before the full county board meeting. I’d say it will be ratified at management and then at the full board meeting."

Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s reappointment as Limerick football manager will also be rubberstamped at tonight’s meeting.