Kilkenny have confirmed the appointment of Henry Shefflin as the county’s new senior hurling manager.
The Ballyhale Shamrocks legend succeeds Derek Lyng after a selection process that concluded with one of the greatest players in the history of the game taking charge of the Cats.
Shefflin enjoyed a glittering playing career with Kilkenny, winning 10 All-Ireland senior titles, while he also tasted success as a manager, guiding Ballyhale Shamrocks to back-to-back All-Ireland club championships in 2019 and 2020.
Most recently, the 10-time All-Ireland winner was in charge of the Kilkenny under-20 hurlers, a role he now vacates following his promotion to the senior setup.
The appointment also means the search is now underway for a new Kilkenny under-20 manager ahead of next season.
Speaking on the KCLR Hurling Podcast before the appointment was confirmed, KCLR analyst Michael Walsh said he believes Brian Dowling would be an ideal candidate to step into the under-20 role.
“I could see Brian Dowling in that situation. That would be a really good move.
“I had felt that Henry would get it too. I had felt that Brian Hogan, if he wasn’t on Henry’s ticket (as part of the senior backroom team), would step in because he was with Henry at under-20.
“But I think the Brian Dowling move would set up a natural progression. Maybe that is all to come, we will see.”
Dowling has built an impressive coaching résumé in recent years, enjoying success with St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny camogie and most recently Kildare’s senior hurlers.
