The fallout from Wexford's heavy hurling championship loss to Offaly became apparent at a stormy meeting of the county board this week when one club delegate said that Joachim Kelly had been "a last resort" for the managerial post last year after some 40 potential candidates had declined invitations for an interview.

Although the remarks, made by Rapparees delegate Paddy Sullivan, have caused considerable controversy in the county, Sullivan last night stressed that they were not intended to disparage Kelly's worth as a manager.

"I was simply trying to emphasise that the committee was near the point of resignation, that we had spent 13 weeks searching for a new manager before we approached Joachim. It was extremely disappointing for us because on a number of occasions it seemed as if we had found a successor only for them to back away. But I was not trying to criticise Joachim whatsoever, he has come in at a difficult time and I sympathise with him."

Sullivan informed the meeting that during the extensive search last summer, the sub-committee had approached some 40 former Wexford hurlers about succeeding Rory Kinsella as manager.

"We asked nearly every player from the 1968 to '96 teams and the only one interested was Jack Berry, whom the committee felt was not suitable," said Sullivan at the meeting.

Asked last night if such a blanket refusal was not the source of grave concern as to the welfare of hurling in the county, Sullivan contended that the case was not so clear-cut.

"Many were interested in the job but couldn't take it on due to sheer work and time commitments. We were surprised by how difficult it was and there were a number of former players we felt were close to accepting but all backed off for one reason or another."

Asked if Kelly had been aware of the extent of the search before the committee arrived upon him, Sullivan said that while the committee hadn't informed him of such, they felt that he knew.

"There was a very long gap between Rory Kinsella leaving and finding a successor. I'd imagine he knew."

Kelly was not available for comment last night, but according to chairman Paddy Wickham, who also spoke at Monday's meeting, the former Offaly star has indicated his willingness to manage the team for another season. However, the county board have already stressed their inclination is for a three-year strategy.

"I'd say he'll do it again if we want him, but Wexford need a three-year strategy and I don't think he'd be prepared to do it for any longer than the (second) year."

On Monday, those remarks prompted Monageer delegate John Fenlon to suggest that Kelly's attitude to the post was "lukewarm."

"That attitude is not right. If he's not right, the county board should get rid of him. This is a crisis," he said.

Delegates are due to meet again in a fortnight.