They put in a spirited display but lost by six points to Offaly in a Phase 2 qualifier at O'Connor Park in Tullamore.

At a meeting of the Limerick County Board at Claughaun last night, former Limerick senior hurlers Paudie Fitzmaurice and Damien Quigley and Dairygold boss Jim Woulfe were entrusted with the task of finding the next manager.

Fitzmaurice won an All-Ireland SHC medal with Limerick in 1973, while he also captained the side that won a Munster title in 1981 at Clare's expense.

The Killeedy clubman also picked up an All-Star award in 1984, and was Sligo hurling manager in 2003.

Quigley scored a goal in the 1994 All-Ireland decider against Offaly, with the Na Piarsaigh clubman earning an All-Star award that year for his sterling performances in Limerick's march to their first All-Ireland SHC final appearance since 1980.

Ardagh native Woulfe is a member of the St. Kieran's club and is chief executive of the Dairygold co-operative society.

Speaking after last Saturday's defeat, McCarthy was giving little away about his future as Limerick manager.

"Well I don't know, we'll see how that goes," he admitted, when asked if he would like to stay on.

"I'm not going to think about it this evening, I'm so happy that we performed very well, gave a great account of ourselves and I couldn't ask for any more."

The Limerick GAA clubs have been asked to submit nominations for the position with a closing date of Friday, July 23.

However, the appointed three-man committee will not be restricted to names put forward by the clubs.