Shefflin’s appointment as new Galway boss has thrilled the team’s fans base

IF the positive reaction around Ballybrit racecourse over the weekend to the appointment of Henry Shefflin as the county’s new senior hurling team manager is anything to go by, expect the coffers to be ringing for Galway’s home National League matches next spring.

The appointment of the most honoured player in hurling’s history – underlined by a record-breaking 10 All-Ireland senior medals and 11 All-Star awards – has electrified Galway and raises hopes of a major revival in the team’s fortunes in 2022.

Such was the secrecy – a rare phenomenon in GAA circles – surrounding the potential luring of Shefflin to Galway, his selection to replace Shane O’Neill came as something of a bombshell last week.

Over the previous 24 hours, various media outlets had run with the ‘news’ that Davy Fitzgerald was about to be confirmed for the position, only to be left blindsided by the official seal of approval for Shefflin.

For an individual so steeped in Kilkenny hurling, it’s a bold move for the Ballyhale man who has already proven he has the instincts for management at the highest level after guiding his club to consecutive All-Ireland titles.

In Kilkenny, many are surprised to see Shefflin switch allegiances to the Cats’ fiercest rivals in Leinster, despite Galway bombing out of this year’s provincial championship.

Though the frontrunner to one day succeed Brian Cody as Kilkenny boss, Shefflin must have been wondering when that day would arrive. In that context, Galway’s timing was perfect as it was too tempting an opportunity for Shefflin to pass by.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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