Stephen Molumphy confirmed as new Waterford Senior Hurling manager on three-year deal

Stephen Molumphy has been officially appointed as the new Waterford senior hurling manager on a three-year term.

Following ratification at an online meeting of the Waterford County Board executive this evening, the Ballyduff Upper clubman will become Peter Queally's successor and lead Waterford into the 2027 season and beyond.

Molumphy became the frontrunner for the position in recent weeks, and following interviews held with a five-man selection committee in recent days, the 42-year-old quickly emerged as the preferred candidate.

Former Déise captain Molumphy is returning to Ireland at present, having recently completed a post based in both Brussels and Ukraine with the Defence Forces.

The Ballyduff Upper clubman had a stellar playing career for his county, making his debut in 2006 and going on to win two Munster titles and a National League, as well as an All-Star in 2007. He was captain then Waterford last won the Munster Senior Hurling Championship in 2010.

Molumphy also won a Waterford Senior Hurling Championship medal with Ballyduff Upper in 2007, famously lining out alongside his brothers Patrick, Michael, Thomas and Edward in a win against Ballygunner.

He began his coaching career with Cork side Castlemartyr in 2016, before joining Davy Fitzgerald as a selector for Wexford in 2018. Molumphy was part of the coaching set-up that led them to the Leinster title in 2019.

Molumphy was named as a selector to his county in 2020 under the guidance of Liam Cahill, but due to work commitments, he was ultimately replaced by Tom Feeney. He took up his first inter-county managerial post in 2021 when he was named as manager of Kerry.

During his time in the Kingdom, he led them to the Joe McDonagh Cup final which they lost by a point to Antrim. He is credited with lowering the average age of the Kerry side from 35 to 24 and bringing through fresh talent. Molumphy vacated his post in 2024 after three years, owing to commitments with the Defence Forces.

Molumphy's backroom team is set to be revealed in weeks ahead, with further announcements to follow.

In a statement this evening, Waterford GAA said: "Waterford GAA is delighted to announce Stephen Molumphy as its proposed new Senior Hurling Manager.

The appointment for a three-year term was agreed at a meeting of Coiste Bainisti this evening and will be recommended for ratification at the next meeting of Waterford County Board.

Waterford GAA extend our best wishes to Stephen and wish him every success in the role. There will be an exclusive interview with Stephen available on DéiseHQ at 9pm this evening — https://onelink.to/stinstagram"