Larkin is Stephens’ choice as next Kilkenny captain

FORMER hurler of the year Eoin Larkin has been nominated by James Stephens as the next Kilkenny captain.

The 27-year-old has been in blinding form, scoring a massive 2-27 in the last three games as he inspired Stephens to a stunning victory over favourites Ballyhale Shamocks in the replayed Kilkenny final.

His club colleague, Jackie Tyrrell, captained the county in 2006, the start of the All-Ireland four in-a-row.

Meanwhile Gerry Cooney could be proposed as Offaly football manager at a meeting of the county board this evening.

Former Clare All-Ireland double winner Ollie Baker will be ratified as Offaly hurling boss for the next three years and it is possible the the football position could also be resolved.

Cooney was interviewed by the seven-man interview committee last week and was expected to meet with Offaly officials last night to confirm his backroom team.

It is now three months since Tom Cribben stepped down.

But efforts to fill the position have run into problems.

Cooney had joined Stephen Darby, Jack Sheedy and Tom Coffey in withdrawing from the race, but progress has been made in recent days.