News: Hayes' four-year reign as Galway hurling manager is over and Ger Loughnane and Davey Fitzgerald could be going head-to-head after being nominated for the job.

Hayes, who took Galway to the All-Ireland final last year, did not seek a nomination. Nominations closed at midday yesterday. Six candidates have been put forward for the job with Loughnane and Fitzgerald, former colleagues who have been at loggerheads in recent times, set to provide some intrigue to a position that has never been short on controversy.

Matt Murphy, whose bid to lead Galway to three minor All-Irelands in a row was thwarted by Tipperary on Sunday, has also been nominated. Murphy had two previous spells in charge of the Galway senior side and was poised two years ago for a third term but delegates opted instead for Hayes.

Pat O'Connor, another Clare man who guided Loughrea to the Galway final last year, former All Star Seán Treacy from All-Ireland champions Portumna and another All Star Seán Silke have also been nominated. Silke was part of Conor Hayes' management structure.

The names of the six nominees will be put to a meeting of Galway Hurling Board next Wednesday night and a new manager could be appointed at that meeting.

Loughnane has gone on record in recent weeks stating he will not return to intercounty management, but he may have a change of heart after being nominated.