Tipp boss Shortall resigns days before Fermanagh clash

Tipperary have suffered a huge blow ahead of their All-Ireland qualifier against Fermanagh on Saturday.

Football manager Andy Shortall and his selectors Jim Cahil and Mick Byrne have resigned after just six months in charge.

The trio have quit after a row over the scheduling of a Mid-Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship match between Thurles Sarsfields and Lochmore Castleliney that takes place tonight and features two of the county panel - Michael Webster and Tom King.

Shortall had wanted a blank local fixture list this week to ensure he had a full panel for the Fermanagh game.

The Tipperary football committee had considered asking Fermanagh for a week's deferral of the game, but it now looks likely that they will install a caretaker selection panel as soon as possible.

It is another major blow for Tipp after star player Tony Browne was ruled out after a kneww operation.