Galway in chaos as delegates reject Murphy

Managerial news: The ratification of Mattie Murphy as Galway hurling manager for a third term in nine years was dramatically voted down by the county board delegates last night in a move which brings the whole selection process in Galway into question.

Murphy was nominated by the a seven-man committee that comprised hurling board chairman Miko Ryan, secretary Phelim Murphy, treasurer Tony Dervan, along with delegates Malachy Hanley, Tom Fox, Frank Canning and John Moylan.

However, when Murphy's name went before the delegates - for what seemed like a foregone conclusion - he was voted down, by 27 to 20, which now means the search for a successor to Conor Hayes must go back to the club nomination stage for a second time.

Hayes' two-year term ended in disappointment when, despite a league title success in May, Galway suffered a 19-point defeat to Kilkenny in the championship qualifiers. Nevertheless, he was the other candidate in contention, but the management committee felt Murphy was the better candidate in interviews last week.

Murphy's stock rose when he guided the minor hurlers to victory over Kilkenny, after a replay, to exact revenge for defeat in the corresponding fixture in 2003. Also, his experience in the role gave him the edge on Hayes, especially since another former manager, Noel Lane, pulled out before the interviews began.

The role of the hurling committee and its validity must now come under serious scrutiny. Their vote was via a secret ballot, but the open vote of the delegates clearly showed a preference for an alternative option to Murphy.

Murphy's previous terms in 1995-96 and 1999-2000 also saw him lead the county to league titles but little success at the All-Ireland stages, where Galway have not won since 1988.

Meanwhile, Dublin chairman John Bailey has condemned the recent criticism regarding the length of time taken to announce a new football manager.

"Tommy Lyons stepped down in September and the county board met at their next scheduled meeting in October, where a four-man committee was set up who then asked the clubs to nominate candidates.

"This took two weeks so the process could not start until then. That is a normal course of events. The democratic course."

Dublin hope to unveil Brian Mullins as the manager this Monday, presuming the county board ratifies his nomination. The director of sport in UCD has just returned from holidays and requested a couple of days before giving a final decision.

Bailey repeated the county board denial that any argument took place during the interview process. He also insisted the issue has overshadowed several positive initiatives in Dublin, including the progress in coaching development under Seán Donnelly which hopes to have 54 qualified coaches in the clubs within 12 months.

The manager's position is similarly unclear in Sligo, although they too hope to announce a new man next Monday. Paul Durcan, the recently retired player who took temporary charge for the successful Tommy Murphy Cup campaign, has intimated his desire for a role as a selector.

"I wouldn't mind helping out," said Durcan. "There is no management as yet but I would possibly be interested. However, new managers have their own plans and ideas."

Wexford's hurling management committee have been given power by the county board to ratify a new manager when the six-man interview panel makes a final recommendation.

The panel contains county chairman Seán Quirke and secretary Mick Kinsella. They intend to talk to between three and five people in the coming two weeks - one interview has already taken place. All candidates are from Wexford.

Tyrone, who seemed resigned to losing Brian McGuigan for next year's championship, have received some good news as the influential playmaker left the door open for a return from Australia by next summer.

"If I like it I'll stay on, but if I don't like it I'll come home early," he said. "If that's the case I'll be back for the championship. Time will tell. It would be very difficult to be in Australia when Tyrone are playing in the championship. For there is definitely another All-Ireland in Tyrone."

WEEKEND FIXTURES

SUNDAY

Munster club hurling championship final: Toomevara v Mount Sion, Thurles, 2.30

Munster club football championship semi-final: Kilmurray, Ibrickane v Milltown, Castlemaine, Quilty, 2.30

Connacht club football championship semi-finals: Killererin v Annaduff, Tuam Stadium, 2.0; Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) v Roscommon Gaels, Ballina, 2.0.

Leinster club football championship semi-finals: Kilmacud Crokes v Portlaoise, Dr Cullen Park, 2.30; Starlights v Skryne, Newbridge, 2.30

Ulster club football championship semi-finals: Crossmaglen v Cavan Gaels, Enniskillen, 2.15; Mayobridge v Carrickmore, Casement Park, 2.15.