Gerald McCarthy has been reappointed manager of the Waterford hurlers. McCarthy has led the team to a considerably improved position in the game's hier archy in the two years since taking over from Tony Mansfield. His new term will be for a further two years.

McCarthy's team secured promotion from Division Two in his first year in charge, but it was the achievements of this season which guaranteed his reappointment.

In May, Waterford defeated Limerick in the league semi-finals before losing to Cork in the final for what was only their second competitive defeat of the year. At the end of the month, the county recorded its first championship victory in six years by beating Kerry.

This was the prelude to the county's most successful summer in Munster for 35 years. A thrilling victory over Tipperary put them in a first provincial final for eight years and began a remarkable series of matches for the county.

Although the Munster final ended in controversial defeat after a replay, Waterford bounced back within a week to beat Galway convincingly in the All-Ireland quarter-final.

McCarthy found himself in trouble with the Munster Council after abusing an umpire in the drawn provincial final and was forced to sit in the stand for the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny.

Meanwhile, Wicklow manager Niall Rennick said he knows nothing about rumours circulating that Billy Morgan is to succeed him.

"I have heard nothing from the county board," said Rennick last night. "But a county officer announced on the radio yesterday (Sunday) that the current management team are as of now still in place."

Morgan, whose name was also associated with the Wicklow job last year, led Cork to All-Ireland football titles in 1989 and '90. His 10 years in charge were the most successful in Cork's football history. As well as the two All-Irelands, Cork won an unprecedented four consecutive Munster titles and eclipsed the great Kerry team of the 1980s. Cork also won the National League in 1989.

Wicklow have disappointed after a bright few years earlier in the decade when they won the 1992 All-Ireland B title, defeating Antrim in Navan. Despite high hopes, the county never made a championship breakthrough - the closest being the 1993 defeat by Kildare after Wicklow had led for most of the match.

One of Morgan's old rivals, Sean Boylan, is expected to take charge of Meath for an astonishing 17th year. Boylan was the only name put forward at last night's meeting of the county board.

Tyrone are facing an injury crisis as they prepare for the All-Ireland minor football final against Laois on September 27th, with Stephen O'Neill, Peter O'Neill and captain Brian McGuigan battling injuries.