The Galway minor hurling manager, Mattie Murphy, has shown a dramatic change of heart by allowing his name to go forward for the forthcoming election for a new senior boss for the county.

Murphy, who had two stints as the county's senior manager in the 1990s, made it clear that he had no interest in returning to the position when he guided Galway to an All-Ireland minor title, following a thrilling replay against Kilkenny, last month.

But a decision by hurling board delegates to change the system for appointing the team manager has prompted Murphy to review his original stance.

The outgoing manager, Conor Hayes, and previous manager, Noel Lane, have also been nominated for the position.

In the past, club delegates voted for the senior position in an election after the candidates were forced to canvass their support, but a special committee was formed this week to interview the candidates. The committee, comprising board officers and nominees from four senior clubs in the county, will interview the three candidates next week.

Murphy, who since the minor triumph has led his native Turloughmore to their first county semi-final appearance in over a decade, said yesterday he was reviewing his position in the light of the new appointment system.

Meanwhile, Noel Lane, who lost to Hayes in an election two years ago when seeking a second term in charge, would only make a comment concerning the clubs that had nominated him.

"I have been heartened by the number of clubs which have approached me and to be honest their interest caught me on the hop. I am aware that I have been nominated and I will be considering my position over the next few days," he said.

Meanwhile, the Galway Games Administration Committee (GAC) will meet again tonight as their investigations of the unsavoury incidents that marred the recent quarter-final clash between Loughrea and Athenry continue.

Officials of both clubs and the respective team managers, Athenry's Billy Caulfield and Pat O'Connor - both reported for pitch encroachments by match referee Thomas Holian - were interviewed by the GAC on Monday night.

Two Athenry players, Shane Donohoe and Eugene Cloonan, were also called before the hearing but as Donohue was unable to attend due to a family bereavement, the GAC decided to wait until tonight to interview both men.

Former All-Ireland champions Athenry are due to take on Gort in a county semi-final on Sunday.