LIMERICK have turned to one of their former hurlers to take over as trainer of the county senior team from Dave Mahedy, who unexpectedly quit his position last month.

The county board has endorsed Brian Ryan, an army officer based in Sarsfield Barracks, as their new trainer. Ryan, played at minor and under-21 levels with Limerick in the mid 1970s.

He will take up his position when the squad returns from their nine-day holiday in Florida, which starts this afternoon when they fly out from Shannon Airport.

Manager Tom Ryan said last night that all but four of the All Ireland final team were making the trip and that the four concerned were held up because of examinations and for domestic reasons.

The party now consists of 47, including some wives and girlfriends, and will be led by County Board chairman, Brendan Danaher.