Former Clare hurler and current pundit Anthony Daly has revealed why he would never be eligible for the GAA's National Head of Hurling job, currently being advertised on various job boards and forums because of the lack of a degree needed.
The role in question was previously held by Martin Fogarty, who has since stepped down from his duties.
On LinkedIn, the job post states, "The GAA are currently recruiting a National Head of Hurling to lead the growth and development of hurling across Ireland, with a particular focus on the 'Tin Region,' which includes parts of Ulster, Connacht, and Leinster."
The post also says, "The successful candidate will drive initiatives to foster the promotion and development of hurling while working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the Camogie Association."
As with every job post, there are essential criteria required for the role. Three examples include:
- A third-level degree in a relevant field (Level 7 NFQ or above).
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role, either in a voluntary or professional capacity.
- Extensive experience in managing and coordinating sports events and/or competitions.
Former Clare captain Anthony Daly was working with RTÉ before the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A Round 1 match between Limerick and Tipperary at LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. (Photo By Ray McManus/Sportsfile via Getty Images) Daly, who is well-versed in all things hurling from college, club, and intercounty levels, stated that the degree requirement would rule him out of the race.
"That's the first requirement of the job... the application, a third-level qualification. You could be a hurling man for 30 years, but you'd have to have an oul bachelor of arts," said Daly on his hurling podcast for The Irish Examiner this week.
Daly admitted that he was offered the job before Fogarty but revealed he didn’t take it because of the ‘John the Baptist’ effort needed for the role.
"I would have been interviewed for the job before Martin, and I didn’t take it. That's no disrespect; maybe they'd have given it to Martin anyway. But I ruled myself out because it was a John the Baptist effort—it was, go off there and... was there any vision there? I'm happier here talking to the two of ye about it."
When asked if he would ever consider taking the role in the future, Daly said he would never say never but made it clear he wasn't looking to be hired for the role.
"No, look, never say never—but I don't have the third-level qualification anyway, so that rules me out. I dropped out and joined the bank! If I'd stayed in L.I.T. for three years, I could apply, but I can't even apply.
"Anyway, look, I presume relevant experience would be a help there, but I'm not touting for the thing."
