Travel too difficult for Kerryman

PETER Keane has become the 10th inter-county football team manager to step down after Clare confirmed he is leaving his role after one season.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Kerryman Keane put his decision down to growing business demands and time and travel challenges, but perhaps the decision by the Munster Council to revert to a seeding system for Cork and Kerry for next year's Championship was also a factor.

Keane, who previously managed Kerry for three seasons, took over from Mark Fitzgerald last November and guided Clare to third in Division 3 of the NFL, with score difference preventing the Banner from being promoted despite victories over Kildare and Offaly, who were promoted.

They reached the Munster final by beating Tipperary and were beaten 4-20 to 0-21 in the provincial decider, then lost all three All-Ireland group games to Down, Monaghan and Louth.