Byrne pledges to leave no stone unturned in Galway hurling review

Galway Hurling Board chairman Joe Byrne has promised a very thorough review into the state of hurling in the county.

The board will outline their review strategy to club delegates at a meeting tomorrow.

The 'root and branch' analysis has been called for following Galway's comprehensive All-Ireland quarter-final exit at the hands of Waterford last month.

The 10-point defeat in Thurles marked the end of John McIntyre's third season in charge of the county's senior hurlers. McIntyre is due to have an end-of-year review with Galway officials.

It is understood that a number of clubs are keen for a new manager to be put in place. But the extensive review of hurling in Galway will take precedence over deciding whether to keep McIntyre at the helm.

According to sources, the review process could last until late September. Byrne told the Galway Independent: "We are going to take a very serious look into hurling in the county. No stone will be left unturned.

"When we decide where we want to go, we will put that in place and then decide who our manager will be. There is no point putting the cart before the horse."

Mattie Murphy, who managed the Galway seniors twice previously, has already ruled himself out of the running should McIntyre step down or be let go.

Murphy has had lasting success as manager of the Galway minor teams, with his current charges qualifying for the All-Ireland MHC final with an extra-time win over Clare last Sunday.

Asked about taking on the senior role again, he told RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta: "I was there twice before. I put my name in the hat three or four times and the people of Galway weren't happy to give me the job.

"I'm in my 60s now and I'm happy with my life. I won't be putting my hat into any competition from now on. I don't think I want that headache."