JJ Delaney is heading back to the Kilkenny hurling fold.
The nine-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny is set to become part of new manager Mark Dowling’s backroom team, Kilkenny GAA confirmed on Friday night.
Dowling will also have the services of Liam Egan (John Lockes), Robert Shortall (Clara) and Tom Aylward (Mullinavat) at his disposal. The appointments will be ratified at this week’s meeting of the Kilkenny county board.
Under Derek Lyng, Kilkenny were crowned Under 20 Leinster hurling champions in a nail-biting clash against Wexford this past May before going on to seal a first-ever All-Ireland U20 title against Limerick in the same month, having last found success at U21 grade in 2008.
It’s the first foray into inter-county management for Delaney who has enjoyed plenty of on-screen time in recent seasons as part of Sky’s GAA coverage. Fenians clubmate Kevin Power is also making the move into management as he takes up a role with the Laois minor hurlers for the 2023 season.
As if you needed a reminder of some of Delaney’s brilliance, here’s a throwback to that famed hook on Seamus Callinan in the 2014 All-Ireland senior hurling final replay against Tipperary.
