List of candidates confirmed for Kilkenny Senior Hurling Manager
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All five remaining in the race to be manager come from inside the county
The race to be the new Kilkenny senior hurling manager is entering a crucial jucture with five possible candiates shortlisted for the role.
Clubs within the county had until last Sunday night to send in their recommendations and as a result , Henry Shefflin, Brian Dowling, Tom Mullally, Mark Dowling and Noel Doherty are the remaining contenders to replace Derek Lyng in the senior hotseat.
Shefflin and Brian Dowling have been the two names on everyone’s lips locally but the other three also bring huge managerial credentials to proceedings after winning senior club titles in Kilkenny as well as being involved with county teams in and out of Kilkenny.
After a storied playing career and big roles with Galway and his own club Shamrocks Ballyhale, Shefflin is seen as the favourite as he looks to make the step up from his role with the Kilkenny Under 20’s but after leading Kildare to Christy Ring and Joe McDonagh Cups in successive seasons as well as nurturing the upcoming talent at St Kieran’s College, there is definitley a clamour for current Kildare boss Brian Dowling aswell.
Of the others, Tom Mullally has had huge success with both Naas and the Carlow senior hurlers in recent seasons and the Glenmore man is definitley a man in demand as if you go even further back he’s also tasted glory with Clara and Mount Leinster Rangers.
Incidentally Mark Dowling has replaced Tom Mulally as the manager of Naas ahead of the upcoming club campaign and while he’s a surprise inclusion, he did lead the Cats to Leinster Under-20 glory prior to Shefflin taking over this term.
Noel Doherty is the final man on the list and also comes with huge pedigree after leading Thomastown to only their second ever Kilkenny SHC title two years ago and he also served as a selector under Derek Lyng throughout the 2025 championship campaign.
The Kilkenny People also understands that Eddie Brennan turned down the opportunity for his name to go forward for the role.