Henry Shefflin named new Kilkenny senior hurling manager

The current U20 boss is claimed to be the preferred candidate of the selection committee

RETURN OF THE KING: Henry Shefflin will succeed Derek Lyng as Kilkenny senior hurling manager. Pic: ©INPHO.

Henry Shefflin will succeed Derek Lyng as Kilkenny senior hurling manager following ratification by the Kilkenny County Board at an online meeting on Monday evening.

The current U20 boss was believed to be the preferred candidate of the selection committee that comprised Kilkenny chairman PJ Kenny, vice-chairman Jim Fennelly, Mick Dempsey, John Hickey and former Dublin senior hurling and football manager Pat Gilroy.

"On behalf of Kilkenny GAA, I am delighted to welcome Henry Shefflin as our Senior Hurling Manager," said Chairperson of Kilkenny GAA, PJ Kenny.

"Henry has an outstanding record of achievement and leadership, and we are confident he will bring tremendous experience, ambition and professionalism to the role.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank every candidate who put themselves forward. The calibre of applicants reflected the esteem in which Kilkenny hurling is held, and we were struck throughout the process by the commitment each candidate demonstrated to serving Kilkenny GAA. We wish Henry every success as he takes up this important role."

Shefflin, the most decorated hurler of all time, previously managed Galway for three seasons and guided his club Ballyhale Shamrocks to back-to-back All-Ireland senior hurling titles. He returned last season to guide them to a record 21st Kilkenny SHC crown.

It will be expected Shefflin, 47, will include the likes of his former team-mate and U20 selector Brian Hogan as well as long-time coach Richie O’Neill in his management team. Former Cats goalkeeper David Herity, who assisted him in Shamrocks, could also be an addition but is currently working with Tipperary and was part of their All-Ireland SHC winning group last season.

Current Kildare manager Brian Dowling, ex-Carlow manager Tom Mullaly and former Kilkenny senior selector Noel Doherty were the other candidates interviewed for the role. Ex-U20 manager Mark Dowling withdrew his name.

Shefflin’s interest in the position became clear in recent weeks when he did not appear as a pundit on RTÉ.