Former Offaly hurling sharpshooter Johnny Dooley will take charge of the county minors this year. The Seir Kieran clubman, who was forced into premature retirement in 2002 following a serious knee injury, succeeds Danny Owens who was manager for the past three years. Dooley, who acted as a coaching advisor to the Kildare seniors last year, saw off the challenge of Donal Franks for the post. As a minor himself, Dooley won Leinster and All-Ireland medals in 1987 and '89. He is also the holder of three Leinster under 21 medals, one NHL medal, three Leinster senior medals, two All-Ireland medals, four Offaly SHC medals and three All-Star awards.