Antrim hurling selector Gerard Holden resigned yesterday, just days before their Ulster Championship final against Down. Holden had reportedly fallen out with manager Dinny Cahill after the recent trip to New York for the provincial semi-final, which Antrim narrowly won after extra time.

But it's unclear if his decision had anything to do with last Sunday's challenge against Kilkenny - which they lost by 48 points, 5-37 to 0-4.

Meanwhile, Dublin seem no closer to appointing a new hurling manager after Tommy Naughton was ruled out as a potential replacement for Humphrey Kelleher.

County board chairman John Bailey said yesterday their search would include candidates from outside the county.

"We're looking for a particular type of person for a particular type of job," said Bailey. "This is a serious time for Dublin hurling and this position has serious repercussions."

Bailey was hopeful the new man would be in place well in advance of Dublin's opening match in the qualifier series, set for June 18th.