Henry Shefflin's Galway project came to an end this week, with it being announced that he would not stay on as their manager for the 2025 season.
The 2024 campaign was a disappointing one for the county, who failed to advance from the Leinster round robin after winning just two of their five group fixtures. The losses to Wexford and Dublin ultimately cost them, with the latter coming at home in their final group fixture.
It was unclear if Shefflin would continue in his role after that result, but having taken some time to decide on his next move, he ultimately opted to step aside.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
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Henry Shefflin dismisses rumours on future after Galway exit
Henry Shefflin has now opened up on his exit from Galway.
Speaking to Galway Bay FM, the Kilkenny legend said that it was not an easy decision to make, although he ultimately feels that it was the correct one.
There has been a lot of toing and froing thinking about the decision. I suppose when I went up first in October 2021 I felt myself it was going to be a two- or three-year project.
That three-year cycle came to an end. It was something I was going to review very hard. We probably didn’t want the year 2024 to finish as it did.
The competitor in us all within the management team felt should we go back, should we get back there again. I thought long and hard about it but just felt it was the right thing for Galway going forward to refresh and regenerate and get someone new in there to take on the project.
Of course, Henry Shefflin was not the only big name managed to move on in recent days. Davy Fitzgerald also departed his role at Waterford coach.
This has led to some speculation as to where the two men will end up next season. Fitzgerald has been linked with a move to Galway, having come close to getting the job back in 2021.
However, Shefflin says there is nothing in the suggestions that he could take over Waterford in the coming months.
The conspiracy theories are absolutely brilliant. I love the way they just piece this stuff together. It happens so easily. Absolutely not (about managing Waterford next year).
I wanted to challenge myself and do something different. That is why when Paul (Bellew) and the Galway executive came to me the first time, after speaking to me a few years before that, I felt the challenge was the right thing for me.
I’m absolutely delighted we took it on. I know it could have went a little better but in the overall context, the experience was very positive. But for now, I felt it was right for myself to get back home and that is where I will be staying.
I think the U16 boys and girls in Ballyhale will be getting used to me. That is where I will be.
Henry Shefflin is sure to return to inter-county management at some stage in the future, although it seems he will take his time before rushing into another job.
As for Galway, they will be looking to get their next appointment right on the back of a very disappointing season.
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