The news that Henry Shefflin will be at the helm of Galway sent shockwaves around the GAA when news broke last week. There was no one more shocked then his fellow Sunday game co-worker Marty Morrissey.
Marty was speaking to KCLR to discuss his new book “Its Marty” and naturally the topic of Shefflin’s appointment came up;
“I have to say, I did not see it coming! There was no indication. Usually you hear things somewhere on the grapevine”
There looked to be a few people in contention for the job since Shane O’Neills departure with former manager Michael Donoghue, who we interviewed recently on the Clash Act, touted. Once that was ruled out Davy Fitzgerald apparently came close to it after stepping down from Wexford. However ultimately it was the 11 time All Ireland winner Henry Shefflin who was given his first intercounty role, a fact that Morrissey thinks is a huge capture for The Tribesmen ;
“Getting Henry Shefflin as Galway manager is the scoop of the year. I think it is a good thing for Henry, it is a great new challenge. The reaction I got from Galway and around the country has been phenomenal. Henry Shefflin has the respect of the nation, weather you are from Kilkenny, Wexford, Clare or Galway. He is an iconic figure.”
Embed from Getty Images“He has a bit of work to do, Galway are in transition. Can he get Joe Canning to come out of retirement? If I was lucky enough to be Joe Canning, or play at that level, and I had Henry Shefflin coming in as manager I would come out of retirement even at 52. There is talent in Galway and who better to provide the guidance then the King himself.”
Obviously one of the most tantalizing prospects now for the upcoming season will be the student going up against the teacher in the form of Brian Cody going head to head with Shefflin. A story the RTE man was quick to highlight ;
Embed from Getty Images“Brian Cody is the greatest manager of them all, no body can touch him and his success with Kilkenny. Then you have one of his greatest prodigies coming along, and I have no doubt Henry will want to Kilkenny manager one day and that is a natural fit. This will be an interesting challenge for him, I was talking to him last week and he is relishing the challenge. He has the support of all of Galway and Galway needed this.”
Listen back to the full interview with Marty and Eimear Ní Bhraonáin on KCLR Live below :
