Inside Track: White faces new challenge on his return to Clans

Stefan White is reconnecting with Clan na Gael, taking over as manager. Of all the new appointments that have been made over the past number of weeks, this is the most interesting.

In a playing career covering almost two decades, the former county star competed in three different counties, achieving considerable success along the way. He also had a lengthy stay with the county team.

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Born in Castlebellingham, he set out with local club, O’Connell’s. He then transferred to Castleblayney Faughs after being refused a move to Clans, and while playing in his new surroundings, won county championship medals.

He also won recognition from the county team selectors, and after winning the Ulster title, he figured on the team beaten by Cork in the 1988 All-Ireland semi-final.

He was on the move again, this time crossing the county boundary going in the other direction, after getting the okay to play with Clan na Gael.

While in the Castletown side’s colours, he won two senior championship medals. Living in County Down, the last senior club he joined was Burren.

A Leinster Senior Colleges winner with Dundalk CBS back in the mid-1980s, White faces a tough assignment in his first major coaching job.

Clans have slipped down the ladder, and though they retained intermediate status after a difficult season, their league football will be played in junior next year.

There’s a new set-up in another side of town as well. Intermediate championship winners in 2024 and successful in the league in the same grade this season, when coached by former Down All-Ireland footballer, Kevin McKernan, Gaels are going in-house.

Seán McCann, who figured on this year’s league-winning side, is the new manager. He’ll be assisted by two former players, Peter McGinnitty and Aidan Delaney, with Francie Nugent, a teacher in Dundalk CBS, the team trainer.

McKernan has taken up a coaching post with an Antrim club.