DANNY BALL, who guided Tyrone to under 21 All Ireland football success in 1991 and 1992, is poised to take over from Art McRory and Eugene McKenna as manager of the county's senior team.

McRory said yesterday that the" reason why himself and McKenna were retiring was because of their belief that the team needed a fresh impetus. The management team of McRory and McKenna led Tyrone to successive Ulster titles in the last two seasons.

McRory feels Ball is the obvious candidate to take on the job. "He has the credentials required more than anyone else in the county."

A three man commitee was set up at Tuesday's meeting of the Tyrone county board to initiate the search for the new manager. However, it would come as a huge surprise if the committee looks beyond Ball.

Cavan's football supporters had their minds put at rest last night when the county's senior team manager, Martin McHugh, confirmed that he was not quitting "but taking a break".

McHugh has been doing a seven hour round trip from Donegal up to four nights a week for training since last winter. "The under 21 success stretched out my commitment this year and I feel I need a rest if only to get the hunger back," he said.

McHugh does not see himself resuming his managerial duties with Cavan until after Christmas. "Training for the League really runs itself, but I will be in constant touch." Donal Donoghue, a selector, will act as caretaker manager.

Cyril Farrell is the favourite for to take over the Galway county hurling manager's job from Mattie Murphy at next week's meeting of the county board. A successor for football manager Bosco McDermott will also be decided upon at next week's meeting. Val Daly is firm favourite.