Shefflin appointed Kilkenny hurling manager

Henry Shefflin, a legendary figure in Irish hurling, has been appointed manager of the Kilkenny senior team, tasked with reviving the county's fortunes.

Shefflin, who boasts an unparalleled record of 10 All-Ireland titles as a player, takes the helm after a successful stint as the county's Under-20 manager. His appointment follows a disappointing season for Kilkenny, who failed to advance from the Leinster round-robin stage for the first time since its introduction. This marked their earliest exit from the championship since 1996.

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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.

The team's struggles, including defeats to Galway and Dublin and a draw with Offaly, led to the departure of the previous manager, Derek Lyng. Shefflin's experience extends to managing Galway for three seasons, a role he took on after guiding his club, Ballyhale Shamrocks, to two All-Ireland club titles in 2019 and 2020. He stepped down from the Galway position after the 2024 championship.

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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.

Kilkenny GAA chairperson PJ Kenny expressed confidence in Shefflin's leadership. "Henry has an outstanding record of achievement and leadership, and we are confident he will bring tremendous experience, ambition and professionalism to the role," Kenny stated. He also acknowledged the high caliber of all candidates who applied, reflecting the deep respect for Kilkenny hurling.

This appointment reunites one of hurling's most dominant counties with one of its greatest players. The challenge ahead is significant: to end an 11-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup, the longest drought in the county's history. Shefflin's last championship appearance for Kilkenny was in 2014, capping a career defined by the team's dominance under Brian Cody.

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We wish Henry every success as he takes up this important role.