Wexford appear resigned to beginning the search for a new senior hurling manager following Sunday's heavy All-Ireland quarter-final defeat at the hands of Clare. Although Séamus Murphy has yet to formally announce any decision on his future, it is understood he informed the players in the dressingroom after Sunday's defeat of his intention to step down.

Despite holding the job for only two years, Murphy had also already hinted this season would be his last.

The 1-27 to 1-15 defeat to Clare was much worse than even the most pessimistic expectations, and yet the Wexford County Board remained intent on giving Murphy a few days to take stock.

"He'll probably take a few days just to think about it," said county board chairman Seán Quirke.

"So we'll have to wait and see what happens next. All we know is that he did indicate earlier on in the year that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

"But it's not something that we've talked about or discussed yet. And because the way Sunday worked out I would expect we'll talk about it for a few days yet."

In the immediate aftermath of Sunday's defeat Murphy tried to be philosophical about the future: "I've made suggestions about where I am going but today is not the day for it . . . Wexford hurling badly needed a boost. Not a win exactly, but at least a good performance. Unfortunately, neither was forthcoming and this will do untold damage to the game in our county.

"The most disappointing aspect is that we prepared as well and professionally as the Corks, Kilkennys and Tipperarys of this world.

"We had worked hard and looked good but, unfortunately, we left it all behind on the practice pitch. We made no impression from start to finish."