The Kilkenny county board is expected to have a committee in place to choose Brian Cody’s successor this week.
Kilkenny officials meet tonight to plot a route forward after it emerged over the weekend that Cody was vacating the senior hurling manager’s role following a glory-laden 24 years in which he delivered 11 All-Irelands, 18 Leinster and 10 League titles.
It is believed that the process to make an appointment will not drag on as the board is anxious that the new manager will have the opportunity to run the rule over the local championships, which are currently cranking up, something which may have also influenced the timing of Cody finalising his retirement.
READ MORE: Colm O'Rourke performs Meath U-turn as he's put forward for ratification as new manager
The junior hurling grade got underway last weekend with the intermediate and senior starting this Friday.
With no chance of Kilkenny looking outside the county, the list of credible candidates to replace the 68-year-old is short, with Derek Lyng, Henry Shefflin and Eddie Brennan, who won 24 All-Irelands between them under Cody’s stewardship, the standouts.
Lyng served as a selector under Cody before taking charge of the under-20 team, which he led to Leinster and All-Ireland titles this year.
Shefflin would surely be a shoo-in if he wasn’t currently in charge of Galway, where he has just completed his first season after being appointed on a three-year term. Whether he would be prepared to jump ship to manage his native county at this stage remains to be seen.
Brennan enhanced his managerial reputation during his two-year spell with Laois, who he led to the 2019 Joe McDonagh Cup and a famous Championship win over Dublin.
READ NEXT:
Kerry v Galway player ratings as the Kingdom are crowned All-Ireland champions
Next Kilkenny manager: The candidates to replace Brian Cody as Cats boss
Barcelona and Real Madrid stars clash during ill-tempered El Clasico 'friendly'
Galway Races tips: Robbie Power's predictions and selections for day one at Ballybrit
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
