Galway could have a new football manager in place by late tonight. The committee set up to find a replacement for John O'Mahony will this evening interview the four candidates deemed suitable for the appointment and, depending on the outcome of that process, could make an immediate decision.
Football board chairman Pat Egan said yesterday that such a swift appointment was "very possible" but that all four contenders appeared equally capable for the job.
The slight favourite, however, appears to be Peter Forde, the former Mayo defender and captain who was more recently manager of the Sligo football team. He is currently based as a teacher in Headford, Co Galway.
The other three candidates have all enjoyed success of various sorts in Galway - Brian Talty, Paul McGettigan and Frank Doherty. Talty has long been based in Dublin but insists that won't hinder his ability to do the job, while McGettigan and Doherty have both been linked after considerable club management success in Galway.
Egan is one of six men on this evening's interview board, along with the county secretary and chairman, the football county PRO and two club representatives from the north and west - Declan Kelly from Caltra and Michael McDonagh of Carraroe.
"Obviously we'll get a much better picture of where we stand when the interviews are finished," added Egan. "And we'd be hoping that we would be in a position to make some sort of decision there and then. It all depends on how it goes on the night.
"But it definitely won't be an easy decision. We have four very strong candidates that are all hugely interested in the job, and it really is hard to know right now what way things might develop. I know people have their own ideas about who should get the job but we'll be dealing with the four candidates in the same way.
"We are eager to get the thing done right, and also get the new man on the road as soon as possible."
This evening's interviews - the first of the appointment process - will be more about what the candidates can bring to the job than about what they've achieved in the past.
Forde's strong background in both football and boxing, where he was a former junior Irish champion in the light heavyweight division, is expected to go well, while Talty's enjoys more extensive management experience in both club and county at various levels.
McGettigan, a former Galway and Donegal player, most recently made his name as part of Corofin club in Galway, helping them to All-Ireland success six years ago, while Doherty did likewise with Caltra last March, leading them to the All-Ireland title over An Ghaeltacht.
Talty, who first made his name as a player for both Galway and Tuam Stars, has also been linked with the vacant Dublin management position - where a decision is not nearly so imminent. And he also has strong ties with his adopted county, first leading St Sylvester's to a Leinster club final appearance in 1996, while also serving as a Dublin minor and under-21 selector.
Leitrim, meanwhile, are also now poised to announce a new senior football manager in succession to Declan Rowley, who stepped down at the end of this year's championship. Among those now known to be in contention is former Cavan player Stephen King.
Leitrim had gone in search of several other high-profile names, including Luke Dempsey, who has since committed to Longford.
Finally, TG4 have announced they will provide live coverage of this Sunday's Dublin senior football final from Parnell Park - one of several high-stake titles up for grabs this weekend. The southside derby sees Kilmacud Crokes searching for their first senior football championship title since 1998, while Ballyboden last claimed the title in 1995. Throw-in is at 4 p.m.
Weekend fixtures
SATURDAY
Kerry SF quarter-final: An Ghaeltacht v Listowel Emmets, Tralee, 7.30.
Clare SH semi-finals: Kilmaley v Scariff, Shannon, 3.0.
Fermanagh SF semi-final replay: Teemore v Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen, 4.30.
SUNDAY
Dublin SF final: Kilmacud Crokes v Ballyboden St Enda's, Parnell Park, 4.0.
Tyrone SF final: Dromore v Carrickmore, Omagh, 4.0.
Meath SF final: Simonstown Gaels v Skryne, Navan, 3.45.
Down SF final: Mayobridge v Annaclone, Newry, 4.0.
Roscommon SF final: Kilbride v Roscommon Gaels, Dr Hyde Park, 3.30.
Armagh SF semi-finals: Harps v Mullabawn, Keady, 2.0; Crossmaglen v Dromintee, Carrickcruppin, 4.0.
Mayo SF quarter-finals: Charlestown v Moy Davitts, Ballyhaunis, 3.30; Crossmolina v Louisburgh, Castlebar, 3.30; Ballina v Ballinrobe, Kiltimagh, 3.30; Knockmore v Garymore, Charlestown, 3.30.
Kerry SF quarter-finals: South Kerry v Rathmore, Killarney, 2.0; Laune Rangers v Dr Crokes, Killarney, 3.30.
Cork SF semi-final: Carbery v Mallow, Macroom, 3.30.
Clare SF semi-final: Kilmurry-Ibrickane v Shannon Gaels, Cooraclare, 2.0
Waterford SH final: Mount Sion v Ballygunner, Walsh Park, 3.30.
Limerick SH final: Ahane v Garyspillane, Gaelic Grounds, 3.30.
Tipperary SH final: Toomevara v Eire Óg/Golden, Thurles, 3.30
Offaly SH final: Birr v Coolderry, Birr, 3.15.
Derry SH final: Dungiven v Slaughtneil, Banagher, 3.0.
Clare SH semi-final: Clarecastle v St Joseph's Doora-Barefield, Ennis, 4.0.
Cork SH semi-finals: Na Piarsaigh v Blackrock, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.30; Newtownshandrum v Cloyne, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4.0.
Galway SH semi-finals: Athenry v Gort, Athenry, 3.0; Sarsfields v Turloughmore, Athenry, 4.30.
FBD Cup: Sligo v New York, Gaelic Park, 8 pm (Irish time).
