The three contenders for the Antrim job as Gearoid Adams opts to walk away

Stepping down: Gearoid Adams

By Declan Bogue

Gearoid Adams has effectively ended his association with the Antrim senior football team. The co-manager, son of Sinn Fein president Gerry, did not allow his name to be included as a nomination for the post, after the county board implemented a full review of 2017 and opened nominations up to the clubs of the county.

With other names entering the running, St John's man Adams would have had to interview for his own job, and as he did not seek a nomination, he has exited the process.

The deadline for nominations was yesterday with a number of contenders in the frame.

As a former player for over a decade who captained the Saffrons, before joining the county management in 2016, his decision will surprise many.

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Adams' co-manager, Frank Fitzsimons, has been nominated by his club Lamh Dhearg.

Meanwhile, there were no nominations to run against the hurling management team of Terence McNaughton, Dominic McKinley, Neal Pedan and Gary O'Kane.

The Three Contenders

FRANK FITZSIMONS

The Lamh Dhearg man has been in charge of his county since late 2014 and in that time has presided over major changes in the playing pool. After taking over when the Saffrons had won just two games in the 2014 league, he took them to third in 2015, winning four from seven league games, and were undefeated in their 2016 promotion prior to the league final. Relegated on scoring difference from Division Three this year.

Antrim co-manager Frank Fitzsimons

JOHN McKEEVER

Currently in charge of Tyrone club Coalisland, who he brought to the county final in 2016, the Portglenone native previously took Cookstown to an All-Ireland Intermediate title. A work colleague of Peter Canavan as a teacher in Holy Trinity, Cookstown, McKeever played county football for Antrim before a knee injury brought an abrupt end to his playing days and began his coaching journey.

Coalisland manager John McKeever

CARL McCABE

Omagh native McCabe has had a long and successful association with St Gall’s, winning a couple of county titles with his adopted club.

A teacher in Belfast, he is intimately acquainted with the club scene in Antrim.  At present he is coaching Omagh St Enda’s and with those commitments, it is understood that while nominated, is not particularly keen on pursuing the role.

Carl McCabe has a long association with St Gall's.