Ballyhale Shamrocks manager James O'Connor says there was "huge shock" in the club when news broke last week that Henry Shefflin was going to be the new Galway hurling manager.
Shefflin, who managed Ballyhale to two All-Ireland club titles, was succeeded in the role by O'Connor. The 10-time All-Ireland winner was ratified as Galway manager last Wednesday.
O'Connor said that even Shefflin's nephews, Brian and Eoin Cody, and Evan Shefflin - all Ballyhale players - did not know about their uncle's impending move into inter-county management.
'Shock' in Ballyhale over Henry Shefflin Galway appointment
"I heard about it first in the car on the way to training on Wednesday," O'Connor told RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland.
"I couldn't believe it. A guy actually rang me on the way and said, 'Did you hear the news about Galway?' I said, 'Yeah, sure Davy's gone in there'. He said, 'No, it's Henry!'
"I was stunned. I got to training that evening. I have his nephews training with me. I said to them, 'Did ye know anything about that?' 'Absolutely not' [was the reply].
"It was shock to absolutely everyone. He really did keep it under his hat."
24 October 2021; Eoin Cody of Ballyhale Shamrocks scores a point despite the efforts of Niall Brassil of James Stephen's during the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship semi-final match against James Stephens at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Ballyhale, this year seeking their fourth consecutive Kilkenny title, reached the final on Sunday with a six-point win over James Stephens.
"How do they keep the hunger going? I just don't know," said O'Connor.
"They just keep driving each other all the time. You'd have to be down at training three or four times a week with me to see it.
"They are so devoted, they absolutely love it. It's in their DNA, and part of what they are. They just love winning matches.
"Championship brings the best out them. They are a tougher team to get up for the league. Once they are out there in quarter-finals, semi-finals, they'll absolutely die outside for you."
Featured image: 24 October 2021; Newly appointed Galway hurling manager Henry Shefflin in attendance during the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship semi-final match between Ballyhale Shamrocks and James Stephens at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
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