Six men are in the running to become the next Galway hurling manager in the wake of Anthony Cunningham's contentious departure last month.

Former Minor and Under-21 manager John Hardiman is the early favourite along with Micheal Donoghue of Clarinbridge and Mattie Kenny, who is currently in charge of Dublin champions, Cuala.

Former All-Ireland winner Gerry McInerney is also nominated along with outgoing Under-21 manager Johnny Kelly and current Connacht inter-provincial manager Justin Campbell.

Michael Donoghue ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

John Hardiman ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

Mattie Kenny ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Gerry McInerney (Pic:Lorraine O'Sullivan/Inpho)

Johnnie Kelly ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Justin Campbell ©INPHO/Patrick Bolger