Kilkenny legend Henry Shefflin says he’s relishing the challenge ahead after taking charge of the Galway hurlers.
The announcement was made last night which sees the 10-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny take his first steps into inter-county management.
He will be joined by fellow Kilkenny man Richie O’Neill as a coach and his management team will be finalised in the coming weeks.
The appointment has come as a surprise to some who were expecting Davy Fitzgerald to get the job.
Henry’s former team-mate Eoin Larkin says he certainly wasn’t expecting it but says it’s a great move:
“Shock I suppose was the initial one because it had been touted that Davy Fitzgerald was in line to get the job and Henry’s name hadn’t really been mentioned as such up until now,” said Eoin.
“It was a huge shock but look, we all know the qualities Henry has and he’s been plying his trade with Ballyhale Shamrocks and more recently in Thomastown so he’s gained lots of experience and he probably feels that this is the next step he needs to take” he added.
First Intercounty Job
Speaking about it being Henry’s first inter-county job, Larkin said:
“It is a huge job, your first inter-county job, but Galway will be expecting success and that brings its own pressure”.
“I’m sure Henry has had a good think about it and it’s a challenge that I suppose he’s looking forward to and thinks he can bring success to Galway”.
“The other side of it is, it’s a long trek for him to get up there as well so its going to be a huge demanding job both on and off the field”.
