FORMER LIMERICK hurling manager Tom Ryan is prepared to go all the way to the High Court in protest at county board plans to appoint a new boss.

Ryan insists the seven-man committee established by Limerick officials to pick a new man is undemocratic and he has vowed to seek an injunction if a new selection panel is not put in place.

The seven-man panel comprises county board chairman Liam Lenihan, secretary Mike O'Riordan, treasurer Owen Hayes and representatives from each of the four divisions - Oliver Mann (Patrickswell), Jim Dooley (Garryspillane), Louis Quirke (Ahane) and Jimmy Stapleton (Granagh-Ballingarry).

Ryan has objected on the basis that candidates have been put forward for the Limerick job from three of these clubs.

Outgoing manager Richie Bennis has been nominated by Patrickswell, former Clare manager Tony Considine by Garryspillane and ex-Limerick hurler Pat Herbert is Ahane's choice.

"That doesn't give me a fair chance," said Ryan, who guided Limerick to All-Ireland finals in 1994 and 1996. "Unusual would mildly describe the situation and it needs to be taken on.

"Three of the interview panel have people nominated from their clubs and the make-up of the panel is unfair. I would feel compromised by their presence and I have notified my solicitors.

"I notified the county board and looked for a response from them by 5pm on Monday. They responded and met later that night, but I haven't heard anything since. It's in the public domain now and I'm contesting this on the grounds that it's a conflict of natural justice.

"I'll take this issue as far as it will be taken and I'll be going to the High Court for an injunction if necessary."

Meanwhile, the GAA have confirmed they have put in place a number of initiatives to help to stamp out ticket touting. In recent days tickets have been identified by the GAA which have been made available through websites.

These tickets have been cancelled and holders of them will not be admitted to next Sunday's hurling All-Ireland final, therefore patrons are advised not to buy tickets made available through websites.

Patrons who bought tickets at prices above face value are asked to contact the GAA at tickets@gaa.ie with details of seat numbers, etc.