It's understood that the former Laois manager has emerged as the chosen candidate following last Monday's interviews at Croke Park. The other three shortlisted applicants were Joey Carton from Waterford, TG4 commentator MacDara Mac Donncha, and former Antrim hurler Ciaran Barr.

The interview panel included a representative from the Hurling Development Committee, who originally proposed the appointment of a national Director of Hurling.

The outgoing HDC, whose term of office expires this month, will be able to point to the creation of the post and the establishment last year of the Christy Ring and Nicky Rackard Cup competitions as a significant legacy.

Sixteen applications were received for the Director of Hurling job, after which the four-man short-list was drawn up.

Prior to his involvement with Laois, Butler, a national school teacher and a member of the Drom/Inch club, was a selector of the Tipperary team that won the 1996 All Ireland minor hurling title.