Ryan pulls out of running for Limerick job

Tom Ryan has announced his withdrawal as a candidate for the position of Limerick senior hurling manager, as well as putting a halt to his threatened legal action.

Ryan, who managed Limerick to All-Ireland finals in 1994 and 1996, was understood to be seeking a High Court injunction to stall the process of finding a new manager for the Shannonside hurlers.

One of ten individuals nominated for the vacant post, the Ballybrown clubman had sent a solicitor's letter to the Limerick County Board.

He claimed that three members of the selection committee to appoint the new manager were "compromised".

He was concerned that of the four men on the interview panel, three were from clubs that have nominated candidates and that is "a clear conflict of interest".

The selection committee is headed by Limerick GAA chairman Liam Lenihan, secretary Mike O'Riordan, treasurer Owen Hayes.

It also includes a club delegate from each division - Oliver Mann (Patrickswell), Louis Quirke (Ahane), Jim Dooley (Garryspillane) and Jimmy Stapleton (Granagh-Ballingarry).

Patrickswell nominated Richie Bennis, the man who guided Limerick through to last year's All-Ireland decider, to regain the reins, while Ahane put forward Pat Herbert's name and Tony Considine was proposed by Garryspillane.

As things stand, with Ryan and other candidates Ciaran Carey, Pat Fleury and Brian Ryan having stepped aside, six men remain in contention for the position.

They are Bennis, Herbert, Considine, Justin McCarthy, Gerry Molyneaux and Eddie Murphy.

The selection committee will begin interviewing the candidates tomorrow and Wednesday.