Ryan set to be named as Antrim boss

Kevin Ryan is expected to be ratified as Antrim's new Senior Hurling manager at a meeting of the County Executive on Monday night.

A report published in the Irish News has suggested that Ryan, the ex-Carlow boss, will be put forward to succeed Jerry Wallace who stepped down from the Saffrons role in June.

The path was cleared for Ryan to take over following PJ O'Mullan's last-minute exit from the managerial race.

O'Mullan, who coached Loughgiel Shamrocks to the All-Ireland Club SHC title in March, had to pull out due to club and personal commitments.

He emailed the Antrim County Board earlier this week to tell them he would not be attending an interview for the manager's position.

That left Ryan, outgoing Antrim selector Gregory O'Kane and former Armagh supremo Michael Johnston in the running for the job.

Although Antrim finished the summer as winners of the Ulster SHC title for an eleventh straight year, the win only papered over some of the cracks left by an embarrassing 8-26 to 1-15 defeat to Limerick in the All-Ireland qualifiers.