Henry Shefflin Makes Huge Ballyhale Shamrocks Coaching Addition Before Kilkenny Title Tilt

With the focus of the GAA having swung towards club action on the back of the end of the inter-county season, there is sure to be a huge amount of interest over the happenings in Kilkenny hurling over the coming weeks and months.

The Leinster county have long had one of the most competitive club scenes in the country, especially after Ballyhale Shamrocks' long reign of dominance was brought to an end over the last couple of years.

Thomastown will fancy their chances of retaining their Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship crown in 2025 after finally ending their eight decade drought last year, while O'Loughlin Gaels will be keen to avenge their defeat in the 2024 decider.

As for Ballyhale Shamrocks, they have assembled what looks like a stellar coaching ticket to boost their bid to regain the trophy.

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A familiar face would return to the helm at Ballyhale Shamrocks for 2025, with Henry Shefflin appointed as manager after his spell with Galway was brought to an end. Shefflin previously guided his home club to consecutive All-Ireland honours in 2019 and 2020.

He will be hoping that he can lead them to a first county title since 2023 later this year, something that will be aided by an eye-catching addition to his backroom team.

The Irish Independent are reporting Kilkenny legend David Herity has joined the Ballyhale Shamrocks coaching ticket ahead of this year's championship.

A five-time All-Ireland winner in his playing days, Herity has amassed an impressive coaching CV since hanging up his boots. He previously managed Kildare to Christy Ring Cup success in 2020, before spending two years with Dublin camogie team.

Most recently, the 42-year old played a pivotal role in the Tipperary backroom team as they got their hands on the Liam MacCarthy last month.

Herity will now return to the Kilkenny club scene, where he will link up with his former Cats teammate at Ballyhale Shamrocks. His own club Dunnamaggin are currently part of the intermediate ranks in the county.

The Ballyhale men will certainly be in the mix in this year's championship, with the return of Shefflin and now the addition of Herity boosting their hopes of claiming a 21st Kilkenny title. Such an achievement would move them one ahead of Tullaroan as the county's most successful club.