Shefflin succeeds Lyng as Kilkenny boss
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
And so the optimism begins. Henry Shefflin has been appointed as Manager of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team. During an online meeting of the County Board on Monday evening, the Shamrocks Ballyhale genius was ratified for the much sought after role, following the departure of Emeralds clubman Derek Lyng in early June. Shortly after the meeting concluded, a statement was released confirming the appointment:
“Kilkenny GAA is pleased to announce that Henry Shefflin has been appointed Manager of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team following ratification by the Kilkenny County Board at an online meeting this evening”.
“Henry brings a wealth of experience, leadership and success to the role and is well placed to lead the next chapter of Kilkenny senior hurling.
The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process that attracted a strong field of candidates. Kilkenny GAA wishes to sincerely thank all of those who expressed an interest in the position and participated in the interview process.
The quality of candidates was exceptionally high, and the County Board greatly appreciated the professionalism, preparation and commitment shown throughout. The genuine desire of every candidate to do their best for Kilkenny GAA and to contribute to the future success of Kilkenny hurling was evident at every stage of the process”.
Chairperson of Kilkenny GAA, PJ Kenny, said:
“On behalf of Kilkenny GAA, I am delighted to welcome Henry Shefflin as our Senior Hurling Manager. 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.”
Kilkenny GAA looks forward to working with Henry and his management team as preparations begin for the 2027 season.
The process of appointing the Kilkenny U-20 Hurling Manager will now begin.
Kilkenny GAA will not be issuing any further statement.
The departure of Derek Lyng didn’t surprise many and came on the back of a very disappointing league and championship campaign for the Cats, which culminated in the Noresiders failing to reach the All-Ireland series for the first time in many years. Two huge defeats at the hands of Galway went a long way to the prospect and murmurings of a new leader being required at the helm. As usual, there were many names touted and discussed, with Henry Shefflin repeatedly mentioned throughout the country.
Clubs were asked to submit their recommendations and as a result of that process, it is widely believed that the names of five well-respected coaches were put forward for the hotseat following Lyng’s four-year reign. A committee consisting of members of the County Board, alongside some external voices including ex-Dublin boss Pat Gilroy dissected the merits of Henry, Brian Dowling, Tom Mullally, Mark Dowling and Noel Doherty, with the legendary Shefflin getting the nod.
As a player, Shefflin was at the very top of his trade, and his success is up there with the best of the hurling greats. During those golden days with the county, he won TEN All-Ireland’s, three hurler of the year awards and ELEVEN All-Stars.
Equally at club level, Henry was part of a silver-winning Ballyhale machine, as both player and then more recently as manager. The classy forward won three All-Ireland club titles on the field and backed that up with two further titles as manager. He also had a spell with Thomastown in the intermediate ranks. Then came the surprise appointment, being appointed Galway manager where the King spent 3 seasons attempting to revive the fortunes of the Tribesmen. Shefflin’s tenure out west wouldn’t have gone as he hoped, but it gave the 47-year-old an insight into intercounty management.
The opportunity to revive the fortunes of his own county will be forensically examined along this journey, and the make-up of his backroom team will be key. Richie O’Neill is a trusted coach that has worked with Henry in the past, while O’Loughlin’s Brian Hogan was with Shefflin for the U20s campaign recently. Former goalkeeping great, David Herity who assisted in Henry’s second spell with Shamrocks Ballyhale, could be a valuable addition also.
Can Henry end the 11-year wait for Liam? Who knows, the number may rise, but it’s safe to say that Shefflin will give everything to the black and amber cause while he’s the Top Cat. Ádh mór Henry, Kilkenny is behind you.
