9 hours ago
Colm Collins: We have someone that 'really gives a sugar' about Clare football
Colm Collins says an internal appointment was vital for Clare football after what happened with their last two outside managers.
The former Clare boss, who served for a decade in the post, says he is 'absolutely delighted and thrilled' that three-time Éire Og, Ennis Championship winning manager Paul Madden has got the nod.
Madden replaced Peter Keane, the former Kerry boss who was in place for the 2025 season, while another Kerry man, Mark Fitzgerald, was Banner manager in 2024, having succeeded Collins.
'I think the most important thing was they went internal,' said Collins. 'That was vital because of what has happened with the last two appointments.
'Paul is a super, super choice and I am delighted for him and I think everybody that has the best interests of Clare football at heart will be delighted with his appointment .
'It should give the players a lift to see someone of his ability in charge of the football team for three years - so we are going to get continuity,
'We are going to get somebody that really gives a sugar about Clare football.'
Collins used to take the job on a season by season basis: 'The only reason I took it year by year was that if we had a stinker of a year and I felt that things weren't going well that I'd step down,' he continued.
'I didn't want to be inside in the job and hanging onto it for the sake of saying that it was three years.
'I think that it (three year term) was important in this case. I think Paul is confident enough in his own skin and has an impressive CV.
'I think it's great news for Clare football. It really is and we're looking forward to helping him in any way we can.'
