Who is away and who can come in?
Easy come, easy go, the managerial merry-go-round in the GAA continues to spin as big names hop off, leaving a vacancy that needs to be filled.
The condensed season has allowed counties the grace of time to make decisions on their managers, and take a more calculated approach when picking their replacements.
Antrim were very swift following the resignation of Enda McGinley, and only a few weeks after Andy McEntee was let go from Meath, did the Ulster side swoop in and get their man.
However there are still several counties who are currently manager-less, and there are certain names kicking about who could very well be interested in the jobs.
Offaly
John Maughan has stepped down as Offaly manager, following a disappointing season that saw the Leinster team relegated to Division 2.
Despite a decent run to the Tailteann Cup semi-finals, they were outclassed by Westmeath and crashed out of Leinster at the hands of Wexford.
So for the first time in four years, the Offaly job is officially up for grabs, and there will no doubt be a lot of potential suitors but Tomas O Sé is currently leading the pack.
The Kerry legend was a part of the backroom team last season, and county chairman Michael Duignan had said on a podcast recently that the former defender could well be the man for the job.
Meath
Six years is a long time, especially for a county manager, but that’s how long Andy McEntee managed to hold the fort at his native county.
Meath have been something of a yo-yo team in recent years, but last season was undoubtly a disappointment, and with the debacle between the county board and clubs, they almost got rid of McEntee late last season without proper diligence, so it was always going to be difficult to succeed this year.
A proud and famous county like The Royals will have no shortage of applicants, but the latest news is that native legend, Bernard Flynn has been nominated for the role.
Monaghan
Seamus McEnaney has resigned following his second term in charge of Monaghan, and despite not managing to lead them to an Ulster title, he has left them in a very healthy place.
Their survival in Division 1 will make the job so much more appealing and with the talent available in the county, the right man in charge could really bring them forward.
Malachy O’Rourke has been touted as a potential replacement, although he is currently the manager of Derry senior champions Glen, and seems to be happy there.
According to the Gaelic Life, Armagh legend Oisin McConville is one of their top choices to replace Banty, but with his many media commitments and coaching role with the Orchard u20s, it might be hard to get him.
Mayo
Easily the biggest job going in football right now, as James Horan has stepped away for the second time, leading them to All-Ireland finals on multiple occasions, but never getting them over that line.
A big job like this comes with big pressure, and whoever they get will be under no illusions what the goals are, and that is to bring the Sam Maguire back to the West.
As you would expect some of the biggest names are attached to the rumour mill here, including Jim McGuinness who hasn’t managed at inter-county level since leading Donegal to the All-Ireland final in 2014.
However, with his career looking set to remain in the world of soccer, a Mayo native is probably a more likely choice, with Mike Solan the bookies favourite to take the job.
