JOHN McINTYRE was last night named as the new manager of the Offaly senior hurling team. His nomination at a specially convened meeting of the Offaly County Board in Tullamore came as something of a surprise, as he had not figured among the favourites for the post.

The meeting also confirmed that McIntyre will act as a selector along with Jim Troy (Lusmagh), Sean White (St Rynagh's) and Willie Dooley (Birr).