Breaking- Noel Doherty set to be confirmed as Kilkenny Hurling Coach

After completing his six-month sideline ban, Noel Doherty is poised to be announced as a selector for the Kilkenny senior hurlers with his position to be ratified at next Monday’s County Board meeting.

The Galmoy native will be free to join up with Derek Lyng’s backroom team and is expected to be in situ for Kilkenny’s Leinster championship opener with Galway on Saturday week.

Doherty led Thomastown to a historic senior championship success in 2024 but his presence on the sideline was missed throughout the knockout stages after he was suspended for an incident that occurred in their final league game against Dicksboro, with coaches Sean Kelly and James Kelly as well as selectors Dessie Walsh and John Brennan leading the way in his absence.

That indiscretion subsequently led to a big ban and despite numerous appeals through different channels, his suspension was upheld. Since then he’s had to watch on at Kilkenny’s prospects from the outside.

Doherty’s appointment to the county role was publicised in the days before and after the Thomastown championship win, but has been forced to be put on hold ever since.

Kilkenny will now look to reap the benefit of his official arrival after Doherty earned wholesome praise for the attacking style of play in which Thomastown won back to back intermediate and senior county crowns as well an All-Ireland title in Croke Park.

The whole situation has garnered huge criticism from the Thomastown club who were unhappy at the way he was treated during the process.

Doherty is also expected to continue in his role as Thomastown manager for the upcoming club campaign.