Galway GAA to shop local for new senior hurling team manager

That scenario would rule out any prospect of the likes of Davy Fitzgerald, whose recent exit from the Waterford post fuelled speculation of a possible move west, and twice Tipperary All-Ireland winning supremo Liam Sheedy succeeding Henry Shefflin.

But another Tipp native Eamon O’Shea, who was added to the Galway coaching staff this year, would meet the criteria for the job as he has been long-time domiciled in the city.

It is hoped to have Shefflin’s replacement in place by early September following the expected exit of the Kilkenny legend from the Galway helm last week.

A five-person committee, including County Board Chairman Paul Bellew and the county’s new Finance & Operations Manager Seán O’Connor, will be tasked with finding the man to lead Galway hurlers for at least the next two years.

The final line up of the selection committee – it will feature two people with a sporting background other than GAA – won’t be finalised until ‘expressions of interest’ or individuals invited to apply for the position – are known to avoid any conflicts of interest.

A potential shortlist is current Dublin boss Michéal Donoghue, who has guided Galway to their lone All-Ireland title over the past 36 years, former team coach Mattie Kenny, current St Thomas’ and county minor manager Kenneth Burke, and O’Shea.

Geoffrey Lynskey, who guided Galway to two All-Ireland minor titles, is regarded to have “burned too many bridges” in the past, while current U-20 manager’s Fergal Healy’s claims for promotion to the top job are reportedly compromised by not winning an All-Ireland minor title with what was regarded as a decent team during his two-year term.

After three years in charge of the Tribesmen, Shefflin cut his losses after a disappointing tenure which failed to deliver any league or championship silverware.