Plenty of new and familiar faces set for 2024 Co. SHC sidelines

Derek Lyons is the new Fourmilewater senior hurling manager.

The Dungarvan man guided the Waterford camogie team to the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2022. He managed the Déise minor hurlers in 2014 and took on the Under 21s a year later.

Richard O’Keeffe and Declan Spellman will serve as selectors with Eoin Morrissey (coach) and Richie Kennedy (strength and conditioning) also part of the backroom team. Lyons will also manage the Nire footballers. Fourmilewater lost to Ballygunner by eight points in last year’s county semi-final. The Gunners have knocked the Ballymacarbry men out of the championship in the past three seasons.

Six of the twelve senior clubs have gone for a change of management. Former Waterford football boss Benji Whelan will lead the Abbeyside hurlers and the Ballinacourty footballers in 2024. The Kilmacthomas man guided The Nire to Conway Cup glory in 2014 and 2016 as well as two Munster club final appearances.

Jamie O’Meara takes over from Kevin Ryan as Mount Sion manager. As a player, he won a Munster club title with the Monastery men in 2002.

Passage have appointed Vincent Keane as their new manager. Gavin Nolan from Conahy Shamrocks in Kilkenny will act as hurling coach. Three-time All Star Noel Connors and Liam Carey are also on board as selectors. Passage are the last team outside of Ballygunner to get their hands on the News & Star trophy back in 2013.

Cork native Jonathan Lenihan will manage the Tallow hurlers for the 2024 campaign. David O’Brien will accompany him on the sideline. Shane Kearney succeeds Brendan Landers as Lismore bainsteoir. Brian Leahy and John Heneghan are part of his set-up.

Darragh O’Sullivan is back to try and lead Ballygunner to eleven county titles in a row. He has added former Déise minor hurling manager Darragh Duggan to the set-up for the new season. David Franks and Aidan Maher complete the backroom team. The Gunners are on a 53 match unbeaten run in the Waterford SHC.

2023 runners-up De La Salle turn to Ian Flynn once again. The 2010 Munster winning captain has committed to a third year in charge. He will be supported by Brian Phelan, Peter Hearne, Allen Dillon, Paddy Kennedy and Tony Sullivan. Salle were the last team to beat Ballygunner back in June 2015.

Former Cork defender Eoin Cadogan will be back in the Dungarvan dugout this summer. His management team consists of James Lacey, Kevin Daly and Mike Barry.

Stephen Gough has also signed up for a second season with Roanmore. Colm Burke will act as coach for the Sky Blues with Jamie Hearne, Eamonn Power and Brian O’Connor also involved as selectors.

Tony Shelly from Killenaule returns for year two with Clonea. Martin Whelan, Martin Scurry and Ian Lacey make up his backroom team.

2023 Premier Intermediate champions Ferrybank will be managed by Andrew Heffernan. Former Kilkenny hurler Paddy Mullally is back as coach while Fintan Power will serve as selector.

The championship will get underway on Friday, July 19.