CLARE LEGEND ANTHONY Daly has been confirmed as the new manager of Dublin hurling finalists Kilmacud Crokes for the 2018 campaign.

A two-time All-Ireland winner as player with Clare, Daly replaces his former Banner team-mate Ollie Baker in the hotseat.

Baker took charge of the south Dublin club in 2013 and led them to three county finals, winning in 2014 before they narrowly lost the 2016 and 2017 deciders to Cuala.

Daly stepped down from his director of coaching role at the Limerick underage hurling academy last August. The 48-year-old led Dublin to a Leinster title and National League crown during his six-year tenure in charge of the Sky Blues.

Ex-Tipperary captain and Dublin hurling selector Richie Stakelum has been confirmed as one of Daly’s selectors, while former Kilmacud player Adrian Crean has also joined the backroom team.

Kilmacud Crokes hurling chairman Peter Walsh said in a statement: “We are delighted that Anthony and Richie have agreed to come onboard. We have a talented, ambitious and driven group of players and I am very clear about the conviction, passion and ambition the new management will bring to our club and its flagship team.

“We have a massive interest and hunger for success in hurling in the club and the community and we are really looking forward to getting going on the year ahead.”

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