Nomination deadline for Galway hurling manager nears

Galway clubs have until Monday night to come up with nominations to succeed Anthony Cunningham as senior hurling manager.

Former defender Micheal Donoghue, who guided his native Clarinbridge to All-Ireland glory in 2011, remains the firm favourite for the post.

Cuala manager Mattie Kenny, who was part of Cunningham’s management team for the first two of his four years in charge, is also expected to be backed for a nomination.

Kenny will hope to further his credentials by guiding the Dublin champions to Leinster club final glory against Wexford’s Oulart the Ballagh on Sunday in Carlow.

Hurling committee chairman Michael Larkin said that, ultimately, it would be the clubs who make the decision on who will take over for 2016.

He said that clubs had been asked to make their nominations by Monday as GAA chiefs try to get a new manager in place before Christmas.

“It is up to the clubs,” Larkin said.

“The clubs are the important part of Galway hurling, and at the end of the day they have the ultimate decision.”

Meanwhile, Galway football manager Kevin Walsh may have to plan without two key players for 2016 with defender Johnny Duane and forward Michael Lundy both moving to the United States for an indefinite period.

It’s expected that both players will make themselves available to play for New York in the Connacht championship next year.