Six candidates have been nominated to take over from Anthony Cunningham as manager of the Galway senior hurlers.

Former minor and U-21 manager John Hardiman has emerged as a serious candidate to challenge initial front-runners Micheal Donoghue of Clarinbridge and Mattie Kenny, who was in charge of the Cuala side beaten in Sunday’s Leinster SHC club final.

Among the other nominees are two-time All-Ireland winner Gerry McInerney and outgoing Under-21 manager Johnny Kelly from Portumna, who guided Coolderry to the Offaly county title this year.

Another name linked with the job is former Roscommon manager Justin Campbell.

Paddy Powers have installed former Clarinbridge manager Michael Donoghue as favourite to replace Anthony Cunningham as Galway manager.