News round-up: The future of Kerry hurling has been put in the hands of two Limerick natives.

Gerry Molyneaux from Rathkeale will replace Maurice Leahy as manager of the Kerry senior hurling squad, while Ger Power - the holder of eight All-Ireland senior football medals and son of former Limerick legend Jackie Power - will be responsible for the physical training of the side.

Kerry, who hit rock bottom last season when they failed to field a team in the All-Ireland hurling qualifiers, will not be playing in the senior championship in 2005 as they will be competing for the Christy Ring Cup in the new hurling competition for the weaker counties.

Molyneaux has a very good working knowledge of Kerry hurling as the former intercounty referee trained Lixnaw to a Kerry senior championship win five years ago.

Power was involved with his club, Austin Stacks, a couple of years ago and has been studying physiotherapy. He linked up with Charlie Nelligan and the Kerry under-21 football team last year. Power also acted as a runner with the Irish team in their International Rules series with Australia and his appointment is seen as a great fillip for Kerry hurling.

Meanwhile, yesterday's scheduled match between Derry and Queen's University, Belfast had to be cancelled due to the Maghera pitch being unplayable.