James O'Connor's relief after a 'nightmare' start to managing Ballyhale Shamrocks

O'Connor first spoke with his predecessor Henry Shefflin after their semi-final win

Ballyhale Shamrocks manager James O'Connor led the side to their third Kilkenny SHC crown in a row. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Succeeding Henry Shefflin who had led Ballyhale Shamrocks to back-to-back All-Irelands was one thing but James O’Connor’s task was made all the more difficult by the pandemic.

Appointed to the managerial position last February, it was the guts of four months before the Lismore man, who had led Fr O’Neill’s to last year’s All-Ireland intermediate club final, actually began to coach the panel.