Wexford Hurling: John Conran has stepped down as Wexford senior hurling manager. He ended weeks of speculation with the announcement early yesterday that he will not remain for a third year in charge.

Conran's decision was not unexpected, particularly after the 18-point All-Ireland semi-final mauling by Cork. Exiting with him are his fellow selectors Martin Quigley and Dickie Murphy, also an inter-county referee.

Conran can still look back on his final year in charge with some satisfaction, Wexford having beaten the reigning All-Ireland champions, Kilkenny, before going on to win the provincial title. And yet that was not enough to persuade him to continue for a third year.

County board chairman Seán Quirke said: "John has decided not to exercise his option of a third year. He was appointed for two years with an option of a third year, but owing to business commitments he has decided not to take up this option."

At the start of the year Wexford were confident of making a real impact on the inter-county scene but went through a dismal league campaign, narrowly avoiding relegation.

While matters picked up considerably in the provincial championship the unrest that had beset the camp during the league, leading to a number of players opting out, just did not go away.

Player problems continued to surface during the championship, with star forward Paul Codd allotted only a substitute's role in the run to provincial glory.

"I've arrived at my decision due to business and family commitments," Conran said.

"We've had some great years together. Over the last two years we've reached two All-Ireland semi-finals, losing last year to Cork in a replay, while this year we won the Leinster title before losing to Cork."

It's a crunch period for Wexford hurling and they will take their time in finding a replacement.

"We've not considered it at the moment. As we only got John's decision this morning the matter has not been discussed. Perhaps proposals will come before next Tuesday night's county board meeting," Quirke said.

Already names are being mentioned, with former under-21 manager Séamus Murphy being mooted as an obvious replacement.