KILKENNY could have a new hurling manager within the next month. The county board put the position «MDBO»u«MDNM»p for grabs and, after asking for nominations from clubs, seven names were put forward.

Heading the list of candidates is the incumbent, Nickey Brennan (Conahy Shamrocks), along with his neighbour and former Offaly manager, Diarmuid Healy. The others are George Leahy (James Stephens). Kevin Fennelly (Sham rocks), Tom Ryan (Dunamaggin) and Christy Heffernan (Glenmore).

Brendan O'Sullivan (Thomastown) was also nominated, but he has withdrawn from the race.

The management committee the board will meet the candidates during the next few weeks. A single nomination will then be put before a full meeting of the county board for ratification.

Meanwhile, speculation persists that Mick O'Dwyer is set for a return to the management of the Kildare football team. O'Dwyer, who managed the great Kerry team of the Seventies and Eighties when they won eight All Ireland titles, had an earlier stint with Kildare without success.

The former Roscommon All Star, Dermot Earley, stepped down as manager earlier this year and the Kildare county board has since been examining the situation. Among the other names being mentioned as successor are Mattie Kerrigan, the former Meath player, and the former Kildare player, Mick Carolan, who is now a Garda serving in Dublin.

A decision is expected at next Tuesday night's meeting of the Kildare county hoard in Newbridge.