LIVE: Henry Shefflin appointed Kilkenny senior hurling manager
Speculation has been rife since the departure of Derek Lyng in May
UPDATED - Henry Shefflin has been officially confirmed as the new manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team.
As first reported by the Kilkenny People on Monday evening, the outgoing Kilkenny under-20 boss will replace former team-mate Derek Lyng in the position, becoming just the third man to take the top job in Kilkenny hurling since 1998.
Shefflin along with Brian Dowling, Tom Mullally, Mark Dowling and Noel Doherty all put their hat in the ring for the role a number of weeks ago and subsequently received club nominations.
A six-man selection committee, including ex-Dublin senior hurling and football boss Pat Gilroy, were tasked with selecting a suitable candidate and have now made that choice with each candidate contacted on Monday evening.
Details of the Ballyhale man’s selectors have not yet been announced but former Kilkenny goalkeeper David Herity has been heavily linked to a role within Shefflin’s set-up.
The process of appointing the Kilkenny under-20 Hurling Manager has now begun.
The ten-time All-Ireland winner made his inter-county debut in 1999, playing under Brian Cody until his retirement in 2014.
During his playing career, Shefflin won three Hurler of the Year awards, 13 Leinster titles, 11 All-Star awards, and three All-Ireland Club championships with his native club Ballyhale Shamrocks.
As a manager, Shefflin guided his home club to county, provincial and All-Ireland titles in 2019 and 2020 and a further senior championship in his second stint in 2025.
The former hurler of the year also had spells with Kilkenny club Thomastown for a single season and three years with the Galway senior hurlers.
“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,” a county board spokesperson said in a statement on Monday 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 spokesperson added.
“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.
“Kilkenny GAA looks forward to working with Henry and his management team as preparations begin for the 2027 season.”
Meanwhile, County Board Chairperson PJ Kenny welcomed the appointment.
“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,” he commented.
“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,” Mr Kenny concluded.
“Kilkenny GAA will not be issuing any further statement at this time.”