Former Tipperary manager Eamon O'Shea could be set for a sensational return to top-level intercounty coaching with Galway.

It is understood that O'Shea, who managed Tipperary from 2013 until stepping aside following the All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway in August, has been lined up by prospective new Galway s boss Michael Donoghue, if he is successful in his bid for the post vacated by Anthony Cunningham.

Galway sources have also indicated that Josie Harte, the former Galway minor hurling manager, is also on Donoghue's ticket.

Harte is the father of current Galway star Aidan and hurled at corner back for his club in the 1984 All-Ireland final defeat to Ballyhale Shamrocks.

Donoghue is interested in succeeding Anthony Cunningham as Galway boss and O’Shea’s possible availability as coach will strengthen his hand.

O’Shea cited travel commitments as one of the biggest problems he had during his time with Tipperary but linking up with Galway, where he is based, that would not be an issue.

Donoghue is highly regarded in his own right, having guided Clarinbridge to All-Ireland club glory in 2011.

He was also a member of the Galway team that won the 1993 All-Ireland U21 hurling championship.

O’Shea and Donoghue have developed a close relationship in recent years.

O'Shea has also worked with a number of the current Galway players during his time at NUI Galway, where he is based as a professor of Economics.

Mattie Kenny, a former Galway selector, remains favourite for the post with the bookmakers, however. Kenny is the current manager of Dublin champions Cuala.

Tipperary senior hurling manager Michael Ryan has drafted 1995 All-Ireland U21 winning captain Brian Horgan into his backroom team. Ryan has also been boosted by the news that Séamus Kennedy is set to commit to the Tipp hurlers next year.