FORMER MINOR AND U21 John Hardiman has emerged as a serious candidate to succeed Anthony Cunningham in charge of the Galway hurlers.
It is understood that the Athenry clubman was one of several candidates nominated for the post by the deadline yesterday evening.
Former Clarinbridge boss Micheal Donoghue, Cuala manager and former Galway coach Mattie Kenny, and outgoing U21 manager Johnny Kelly are understood to be also in the running.
Hardiman, who guided Galway to the 1999 and 2000 All-Ireland minor and also took charge of the U-21s, served as a selector when John McIntyre was manager for three seasons to 2011.
More recently, Hardiman was a key member of the Sarsfields management which lifted the Galway title for the first time in 17 years.
Sarsfields brought the former All-Ireland club winner in during the summer and he was credited with a big role in them winning their seventh title.
Galway officials are checking with those nominated to see if they are interesting in running for the position and the Tribesmen hope to hold interviews and have the new man in charge before Christmas.
