Michael Dempsey on selection panel with five on radar for Kilkenny manager

Brian Cody and  Michael Dempsey together in 2022. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Former Kilkenny coach and selector Michael Dempsey is part of the selection committee that will recommend the next senior hurling manager.

Laois native Dempsey assisted Brian Cody between 2005 and ’19 in which time The Cats claimed eight All-Ireland SHC titles.

Dempsey is joined on the panel by chairman PJ Kenny, vice-chairman Jim Fennelly, secretary Seamus Reade and John Hickey, brother of former full-back Noel.

The Irish Examiner understands there are five candidates for the position – Noel Doherty (Galmoy), Brian Dowling (O’Loughlin Gaels), Mark Dowling (Dicksboro), Tom Mullaly (Glenmore) and Henry Shefflin (Ballyhale Shamrocks).

Doherty guided Thomastown to a senior county title in 2024 and was part of Derek Lyng’s management team in ’25. Brian Dowling is the current Kildare senior manager and his namesake Mark has been U20 Kilkenny boss and is at the helm of Naas.

Mullally has managed Carlow as well as Mount Leinster Rangers and Naas, while Shefflin is current U20 manager having been in charge of Galway for three season and brought his own club to back-to-back All-Ireland titles.

Earlier this month Lyng stepped down as senior hurling manager after four seasons. The process to succeed him is expected to conclude in the first half of next month.