Tipp hurling boss set for two more years at the reigns

Eamon O'Shea has received a vote of confidence from the Tipperary County Board after they granted him two more years as the county's senior hurling manager.

O'Shea's tenure was extended at Tuesday's meeting of the County Board in Thurles, with the 2010 All-Ireland winning coach re-appointed along with assistant manager Michael Ryan and current coach Paudie O'Neill.

O'Shea's first season in charge saw Tipperary reach the Allianz League final which they lost to Kilkenny, and they endured a disappointing Championship campaign with defeats to Limerick in Munster and Kilkenny in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

For the 2014 season, the Premier County will be captained by Brendan Maher from Borris-Ileigh, the 2010 Young Hurler of the Year, with Loughmore Castleiney's Noel McGrath installed as vice-captain.

Meanwhile, Tipperary's new U-21 hurling management team was confirmed this week - TJ Connolly from Cashel King Cormacs will take over, with Ken Dunne, a brother of former Tipp aces Tommy and Benny Dunne, Noel Morris and Niall Curran assisting him.