Westmeath’s Greville takes charge of Royal hurlers
After a lengthy process to find a new senior hurling team manager, Meath recently announced that Westmeath's Johnny Greville will be the man to take charge.
The Raharney man has been given a three-year term and he certainly knows the Meath hurling landscape well, having previously taken charge of Kildalkey. He will be assisted by Sean Corrigan (Kildalkey) and Tom Shine (Kilskrye/Moylagh).
The Royals were relegated from Division 2A and the Joe McDonagh Cup in the 2024 season - a measure of the challenge facing the new man at the helm.
Greville led Kildalkey to the 2017 Meath SHC final where they were defeated by Kiltale. It was only one role in a very varied career in management he has experienced over the years, even though he is stilly only in his mid-forties.
He guided Raharney to Westmeath SHC titles in 2010, 2014 and 2016. They were also beaten finalists in 2012 and 2015. His CV also includes a list of titles he helped Raharney win at minor and u-21 levels.
Further evidence of his ability to get the best out of a bunch of players can be seen in the way he managed Westmeath team to a victory over Wexford (2-11 to 0-15) in the 2015 Leinster MHC, in what was a real shock.
As a player he wore the blue of Raharney in two victorious county deciders, one as captain in 2006 with the other achieved in 2008. He also represented Westmeath in hurling at all levels, his last appearance in maroon and white coming in 2004.
He had a very successful spell as manager of the Westmeath camogie team and enjoyed memorable days with them including success in the All-Ireland Premier Junior final in 2017 when they defeated Dublin before they claimed the All-Ireland Intermediate title in 2019. He also managed the Faughs senior hurling team in Dublin.
Greville replaces Steven Clynch at the helm. Clynch stepped in as temporary manager after Seoirse Bulfin resigned in March citing “personal reasons”. The Limerick man had led the Royals to Christy Ring Cup and league success in 2023. Ironically, Bulfin has since taken charge of Westmeath hurlers.
Meath were relegated from the McDonagh Cup after a string of defeats. The fall through the trap door was confirmed after an 18-point defeat to Westmeath last May.
Now Greville, a well-respected hurling man from the Lake County, has been given the responsibility of leading the Royals into a new era.
Confirming the choice of Greville as manager, a Meath GAA statement said: “Johnny Greville brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, having successfully managed teams at various levels and demonstrated his commitment to the development of hurling. Meath GAA is confident that his leadership will help drive the team to future success.”
Greville said he was “honoured” to take on the role of Meath senior hurling manager.
“It’s a great opportunity to work with a talented group of players and an exciting management team. I’m looking forward to getting started and working hard to bring success to Meath hurling in the years to come,” he said.
Meath Hurling Development Committee chairperson John Brennan said: “It’s great to have someone like Johnny on board. His knowledge of the game and passion for its development are exactly what Meath hurling needs at this point. We look forward to working with him to achieve our goals. We are excited about this new chapter for Meath GAA hurling and look forward to the progress the team will make under Johnny’s management.”