The race to become Kilkenny’s next senior hurling manager is beginning to take shape, with Henry Shefflin and Brian Dowling among the names nominated to succeed Derek Lyng.
Clubs have until this weekend to put forward additional candidates, but two of the county’s most high-profile coaching figures have already emerged as leading contenders for the position.
Dowling is currently in charge of Kildare and has built an impressive coaching CV in recent years. The O’Loughlin Gaels man has enjoyed major success with St Kieran’s College and guided Kilkenny to All-Ireland camogie glory before taking over the Lilywhites.
Shefflin, meanwhile, is currently managing Kilkenny’s under-20 side and remains one of the most decorated players in the history of the game. The Ballyhale Shamrocks legend also spent two seasons in charge of Galway at senior inter-county level.
Former Kilkenny star Richie Hogan said both men would be strong appointments.
“Nobody has had a better inter-county career as a player than Henry.
“And Brian obviously got into coaching a lot earlier, I would say. Done a lot of great work with St. Kieran’s and Kilkenny Camogie.
“And obviously it’s a magnificent job with Kildare recently.”
Hogan even suggested there could be scope for the pair to work together.
“We’ll see. Like maybe it’ll be a combination of the two of them. Maybe.
“But I wouldn’t have any issue with either of those. I think they’ll do a great job.”
The search for Derek Lyng’s successor remains ongoing, with Kilkenny clubs also being asked for their views on the county’s wider hurling structures as part of the appointment process.
A five-person selection committee will ultimately oversee the recruitment process, with the successful candidate set to take charge ahead of the 2027 season.
With nominations remaining open until the weekend, further names could yet enter the frame, but both Shefflin and Dowling appear firmly in contention for one of the most coveted jobs in hurling.
