GAA: Following the departure of Ger Loughnane as Galway hurling manager the county board chairman Miko Ryan has called for unity as the process of searching for a new manager begins in earnest.
Ryan was one of those opposed to Loughnane continuing in the role for a third and final year of his contract with the Tribesmen. The Clare native was voted out last night by 28-26.
"It has been a tough few weeks and people need a bit of time before deciding the process for selecting a new manager," said Ryan. "Delegates will now go back to their clubs and get a feeling from grassroots level as to what is the best way to move forward and select a new manager.
"I don't like votes, I don't like to see people losing out. The three of them - Ger Loughnane, Sean Treacy and Louis Mulqueen - did a lot of good work but it just did not work out for them," added Ryan.
Michael Bond, who led Offaly to All-Ireland glory in 1998, has declared his interest and would likely include a backroom team of Joe Cooney, Michael Coleman and Steve Mahon.
Jimmy Heverin, who has led Portumna to two All-Ireland club titles in the past three years, has teamed up with former Galway hurler Anthony Cunningham as part of an alternative team.
There is a general conseus that says the next manager will be a Galway native.