FORMER TIPPERARY hurler John McIntyre has been handed the Galway hurling manager's job - at the third time of asking. McIntyre, who has had two spells in charge of Offaly as well as a host of clubs in Galway, beat competition from another former Offaly boss, Michael Bond, and ex-Tribesmen manager Noel Lane, to land the job for the next two years.

McIntyre, who works as sports editor of the Connacht Tribune, was announced as the new boss at a meeting of the Galway Hurling Board in the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry last night. None of the candidates were present at the meeting.

This was the third time he put his name forward for the position and he will be joined on the ticket by 1980 All-Ireland winning captain Joe Connolly, former victorious minor boss John Hardiman and under-21 selector John Moylan.

The new Meath senior football team manager, Eamonn O'Brien, has named three All-Ireland winners in his back-up team. Robbie O'Malley and Donal Curtis are the selectors, with Colm Brady the trainer.

O'Malley was one of the stalwarts of Meath's great 1986 to 1991 era when two All-Irelands, five Leinsters and two league titles were gained. Curtis was part of the 1996 and 1999 All-Ireland successes when O'Brien was a selector under Seán Boylan. Brady was on the 1996 winning side.

Meanwhile, Colm Coyle, who O'Brien succeeds, has been appointed as Westmeath senior club team Coaralstown-Kinnegad manager, while former Meath full back Darren Fay, who ended his intercounty playing career last July, will be in charge of local intermediate outfit Nobber in 2009.