Both the Down and Waterford county boards were reluctant to indulge in speculation as to the future of their respective football and hurling managers following Sunday's championship exits.

Waterford hurling manager Gerald McCarthy always knew that a second consecutive early championship exit was a possibility, given the threat Tipperary presented. However, Down football manager Pete McGrath was generally expected to steer his side past an Antrim side which seemed shackled to an 18-year record of first-round exits.

McGrath established himself as one of the most distinguished intercounty football managers of the last decade. He guided Down to All-Ireland titles in 1991 and 1994 and they were the surprise package in last year's Ulster final, which they lost heavily to Armagh.

While he was understood to be considering his future yesterday, McGrath's post-match comments indicated he would be willing to undertake another season at the helm. McGrath has led Down for the past 11 years and his contract is reviewed at the conclusion of each championship.

County PRO Fintan Mussen confirmed that the matter of an appointment for next season will not be considered until the next county board meeting at the end of June. Asked if he thought that McGrath would be interested in making himself available at that time, Mussen replied that he could "see no reason why he wouldn't".

Down's failure against a young Antrim side infused with a new belief contrasts starkly with the county's fortunes at the outset of the last decade. Despite their Ulster semi-final defeat by Armagh, they were identified as a coming team, flush with new talent. While the perception that the county remains dependent on the core of that generation is overstated, McGrath has been repeatedly forced to turn to longterm campaigners for inspiration.

Mickey Linden made a debut for Down back in 1982 while Paul Higgins' career stretches back to 1989. McGrath's glowing record paved the way for a managerial career which extends well beyond the contemporary three-to-four year trend.

Traditionally measured in both victory and defeat, McGrath admitted on Sunday that Down football is in the midst of a transitional period which is going to require considerable perseverance if they are to recapture the form of a decade ago.

Meanwhile, the Waterford County Board are giving McCarthy time to ponder his future before entering any negotiations relating to the renewal of his contract. The affable Cork man has transformed expectations in the county over the past three seasons to such a degree that the sense of disappointment at Sunday's defeat has been acute.

"It is too sensitive an issue to discuss casually right now," said county PRO Paddy Dunphy yesterday.

"Gerald has spoken to no one about the issue as of yet and naturally, he is entitled to his privacy right now. He will take it up with the county board in due time and whether he feels he should stay or go will become known then. But as of now, the matter is not for public debate."

When asked if the popular feeling in Waterford was for McCarthy to resume control for another term, Dunphy felt it inappropriate to comment.

"It is hard to make any such judgment at the present time. People can view things one way now and may see it very differently in a week's time."

That Waterford have been felled so early in the championship struck a chord with many GAA followers who believe that the knockout system is in urgent need of redress. McCarthy's team were one of the few county's who approached the league with full-blooded enthusiasm and their re-emergence as a consistent summer force has brightened the hurling landscape. Sunday's loss, however, threatens to bring an element of desperation to a side that have came within touching distance of major honours but who have, as yet, won nothing.

The Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney was last week assessed ahead of the Munster football clash between Kerry and Cork on June 18th and it was confirmed that further work will be carried out on its exits. Also, a colour coding of terrace tickets will be put into effect and barriers are to be erected on all approaches to the grounds to ensure that the only those with tickets will be allowed approach the stiles. The current capacity is 40,150 and the Kerry County Board are confident they will complete the arrangements to ensure the stadium is approved as match venue.