The top two divisions are full of managers who have been there before, with a number of new faces appearing further down the leagues.
Division 1A
CORK
Manager: Ben O'Connor
Year: One
Notes: Pat Ryan’s somewhat surprise resignation after the All-Ireland final paved the way for a new appointment and three-time Celtic Cross winner Ben O’Connor is the man to try and get the Rebels over that final hurdle.
There has already been a bit of upheaval though as O’Connor, who was handed a three-year term, brought Niall O’Halloran into the set-up before he quickly departed. O’Connor denied any bust-up had occurred.
Ronan Curran, Terence McCarthy and William Biggane will act as selectors for the Rebels who, of course, will be without Patrick Horgan who announced his retirement and entered that unwanted conversation – the best player never to win an All-Ireland. Horgan will still be part of the Cork inter-county hurling firmament, having joined the Under-20 set-up as a selector.
Gerry Hussey has replaced Gary Keegan as performance coach.
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KILKENNY
Manager: Derek Lyng
Year: Four
Notes: Derek Lyng was ratified for another season in September as he tries to find those extra few inches that make all the difference.
For the last two seasons, they have lost out to the eventual champions by two points at the semi-final stage. Two final defeats preceded those, one by two points of course.
Eight-time All-Ireland winner Eddie Brennan has come in as forwards’ coach and Niall Corcoran, who worked with Brennan at Laois previously, is moving from the O’Moore County to the Cats.
Former Limerick goalkeeping coach Timmy Houlihan is another new addition.
LIMERICK
Manager: John Kiely
Year: Ten
Notes: Two All-Ireland finals in a row without Limerick, something that seemed very unlikely in the weeks after their 2023 final thumping of Kilkenny.
John Kiely would have done a lot of soul-searching in the off-season, particularly the manner of their weak exit to Dublin last season, but a man with such success to his name will surely have a plan to get back to the top.
Renowned sports psychologist Caroline Currid took a lot of credit for previous successes and she’s back on board for the season ahead, which could be crucial.
Paul Kinnerk, Alan Cunningham, John Flavin and Liam Cronin are all on the line again.
Declan Hannon has retired, so a big bag of experience has disappeared.
GALWAY
Manager: Micheál Donoghue
Year: Two
Notes: Year two for Micheál Donoghue and it’s a changed management team taking on the challenge.
Eamon O’Shea, who won All-Ireland SHC titles as a coach with Tipperary in 2010 and 2019, has departed as team coach.
There’s also been a change on the strength and conditioning side of things with Connacht Rugby’s former senior athletic performance coach Barry O’Brien taking over from former Ireland rugby international Jonny O’Connor.
The IRFU’s former head of high performance coach development Daragh Sheridan has been added to the backroom team, and he will also work with the Galway footballers in 2026.
OFFALY
Manager: Johnny Kelly
Year: Four
Notes: Johnny Kelly is back on board for another season in Offaly after his term was extended.
Kelly has switched up the captaincy this year with Charlie Mitchell bestowed with that particular honour.
Séamus Callanan is back with the squad after the Tipperary legend hooked up with the side ahead of last season, with Tony Gleeson also moving up from the county’s Under-20s. Another Tipp great Brendan Maher remains part of the set-up for the coming year, as do Barry Teehan and Michael Maher.
A huge year for the side with Division 1A hurling in store.
TIPPERARY
Manager: Liam Cahill
Year: Four
Notes: Last season, Liam Cahill’s future was uncertain after a disappointing campaign but he returned and took the Premier County to the Promised Land – so it was no surprise than an extension was offered following the end of his initial three-year term.
Coaching support again comes from David Herity with Michael Bevans, TJ Ryan and Declan Laffan as selectors.
Former All-Star goalkeeper Brian Hogan has returned to the panel after spending a number of years in Australia.
WATERFORD
Manager: Peter Queally
Year: Two
Notes: Peter Queally is set to enter the second half of his initial two-year term.
It was an up and down 2025 – topping Division 1B but failing to get out of Munster – but Tipperary demonstrated last season how progress can be made quickly.
Dan Shanahan remains as selector, but he has a new body alongside him as Donal O’Rourke is a fresh addition.
O’Rourke comes highly regarded having spent three years with Cork with Pat Ryan. He replaces Eoin Kelly who steps away after three years of service.
Queally has also looked to Cork – this time to their camógs – for another addition in the form of Adrian O’Sullivan.
Division 1B
ANTRIM
Manager: Davy Fitzgerald
Year: Two
Notes: Davy Fitzgerald’s initial Antrim term was two years with an option of a third and despite a difficult first campaign, he’s back with the Saffrons.
The side did avoid relegation from Division 1B last season, but dropping to the Joe McDonagh Cup was a blow.
Neil McManus, Pat Bennett – the new Carlow boss - and Paudie Shivers have left the management team.
Fitzgerald has turned to a familiar face to fill the void with Seoirse Bulfin linking up with him once again. The pair have worked together at a number of management teams over the last decade. Arron Graffin is also there.
CARLOW
Manager: Pat Bennett
Year: One
Notes: Pat Bennett was part of Davy Fitzgerald’s Antrim management team in 2025, but he couldn’t ignore the chance of being a number one and replaces Tom Mullaly.
Bennett is still hoping to add a selector prior to the start of the Allianz Hurling League, but Johnny Nevin is in place already.
A former Carlow dual star, Nevin played Railway Cup in two codes and has helped with the county’s underage squads previously.
Shane Briggs and Craig Coffey remain from last season’s coaching team.
CLARE
Manager: Brian Lohan
Year: Seven
Notes: Brian Lohan’s term was extended once again in July with three years pegged on.
A few switches in the management team last year but it’s mostly as you were for the months ahead as the Banner aim to bounce back after a low-key 2025.
On the playing side of things, Aidan McCarthy is not expected to be involved. It is believed the player had enquired about returning to the squad, but is not in the management’s plans.
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Lohan trimmed his panel in recent weeks for the Munster Hurling League while Jack Kirwan picked up an injury in a clash in the season opener against Limerick.
DOWN
Manager: Ronán Sheehan
Year: Eight
Notes: No switches in Down for 2026 with the same management team taking charge for the year ahead.
That means an eighth season for Ronán Sheehan, the third-longest serving hurling manager behind Limerick’s John Kiely and Donegal’s Michael McCann.
There should be plenty of pep in their step after their fantastic Division 2 success last season and they’re set to mix it with some top teams.
A number of younger players – such as Carryduff dual star Liam Blaney – should be exposed to what is required at this level.
DUBLIN
Manager: Niall Ó Ceallacháin
Year: Two
Notes: Niall Ó Ceallacháin enters year two of his three-year term and undoubtedly the highlight of last term was their shock All-Ireland quarter-final win over Limerick despite playing all but 15 minutes with 14 men.
The semi-final showed the road that still needs travelled though as an irresistible Cork fired home seven goals at Croke Park.
Last season was unorthodox, with Na Fianna’s run to All-Ireland Club glory ensuring he had to focus on two teams in the early stages of the season – so he’ll be hoping a clean run will be beneficial this time.
KILDARE
Manager: Brian Dowling
Year: Three
Notes: Brian Dowling is overseeing one of Kildare’s greatest-ever hurling spells, but he still took time out to get into a verbal duel with Babs Keating in the off-season.
The Tipperary legend, now living in Kildare, predicted a Lilywhite "crucifixion" in the Leinster SHC this year when chatting to the Irish Examiner. "I wouldn’t take anything that man says too seriously," Dowling retorted on KCLR.
The Leinster side have won back-to-back championships – the Christy Ring followed by the Joe McDonagh – and were promoted to Division 1B so an exciting few months await.
WEXFORD
Manager: Keith Rossiter
Year: Three
Notes: Keith Rossiter has beefed up his support staff with former Cobh Ramblers manager Shane Keegan an interesting addition.
Andy Ronan also comes in as a selector while former Westmeath boss Shane O’Brien will help with the coaching.
Chris Coburn departs from the Wicklow footballers to work with the Model County.
Rossiter was originally appointed on a two-year term with the option of a third, which was taken in the off-season.
They failed to make a real mark last term, and promotion back to Division 1A will be one of the main aims for the season ahead.
Division 2
DERRY
Manager: Johnny McGarvey
Year: Four
Notes: Johnny McGarvey is still there but there is significant change in his management team.
Out goes Conor Murray – not the former Irish rugby international, although he has recently moved to the Oakleaf County – and Jamie Murray.
In comes Niall Cleary and Dara Curley. Cleary had acted as player-manager of Donegal club Setanta in recent seasons but stepped down ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Derry maintained their Division 2 status last time out and made it all the way to the Christy Ring Cup final where they lost to London.
KERRY
Manager: John Griffin
Year: Two
Notes: John Griffin is back and he has brought in one of the county’s most noted hurlers of all time - Shane Brick.
The Kilmoyley native transferred to Cork side Tracton in his late playing days and went on to coach a number of teams in the Rebel County.
Mark Ryall is another addition to the management team. He has pushed the sport hard in Tralee CBS, helping the school into the Harty Cup in 2024/25, although they didn’t compete this season.
Griffin’s Kerry were relegated from the Joe McDonagh Cup last year, so a return to that competition will be high on the agenda.
LAOIS
Manager: Tommy Fitzgerald
Year: Two
Notes: A late appointment last season as new manager Darren Gleeson had to step down to undergo cancer treatment, Tommy Fitzgerald will have a full run into the new season this time around.
Fitzgerald has lost a valuable asset though with coach Niall Corcoran moving into the Kilkenny management for the season ahead.
Galway duo Jeffrey Lynskey and Tony Óg Regan come in the door with Aidan Stakelum, Andrew Kavanagh Paddy Quinlan, Evan Dunne and Joe Keane also involved.
Enda Rowland, one of the county’s greatest ever hurling goalkeepers, has retired ahead of the new campaign.
LONDON
Manager: Eoin O’Neill
Year: One
Notes: Eoin O’Neill is the new man in charge of the Exiles having been part of Neil Rogers’ coaching ticket that helped guide them to Christy Ring glory last term.
Rogers cited family commitments for the reason for his departure on the back of such a fine season, and O’Neill will be hoping the side can continue on an upward trajectory.
More appointments will be forthcoming, but Alan Tobin is remaining on from last year while Stephen Frawley, who used to hurl with the Exiles, is part of the ticket.
Frawley has been involved with different London management teams in the past so will know the lay of the land.
MAYO
Manager: Ray Larkin
Year: Three
Notes: Ray Larkin and his management team committed to another season in charge following a review at the end of the 2025 season.
That review was always going to rely on Larkin’s interest given he captured a league title last season and took them to the Nickey Rackard final, where they lost to Roscommon by a point, and that remains an itch he wants to scratch.
"There is a lot of interest and support for hurling in Mayo at present and the emergence of several new adult hurling clubs in recent years augurs well for the future," said Mayo chairperson Seamus Tuohy.
MEATH
Manager: Johnny Greville
Year: Two
Notes: Johnny Greville enters year two of his initial three-year term
The Royals endured a tough 2025 but Greville has the backing of the county while player availability remains an issue.
Division 2 looks ultra competitive this season, so it’s imperative that the side makes a solid start.
Former Limerick goalkeeper Barry Hennessy has been added to the backroom team as head coach with Tom Shine and Sean Corrigan continuing as selectors. Dermot Moran, who has worked closely with Na Fianna in their recent successes, is assistant coach while another Na Fianna man, Graham Norton, is director of sports science and athletic performance. The strength and conditioning work is being carried out by Barry Reynolds.
WESTMEATH
Manager: Kevin O’Brien
Year: One
Notes: An in-house appointment in the Lake County as Kevin O’Brien prepares for his first season in charge of the Leinster outfit.
Clare’s Ollie Baker is a notable addition to the sideline while Galway’s Damien Coleman is also coming in. Brendan Murtagh will provide expertise from within the county.
The two-time Westmeath U20 boss has been appointed for two years with the option of a third but he will have to go forward without retiring duo Tommy Doyle and Robbie Greville.
DIVISION 3
ARMAGH
Manager: Karl McKeegan
Year: Four
Notes: In a division with plenty of new managerial faces, Armagh will once again be led by former Antrim star Karl McKeegan.
The management team remains as was, so continuity on the line is something McKeegan hopes will pay off.
Such continuity on the pitch is impossible though with a number of last year’s squad opting to head travelling – while highly-rated dual star Tómas Galvin has joined Kieran McGeeney’s football squad – so the message this year is that youth will certainly get its chance.
DONEGAL
Manager: Michael McCann
Year: Nine
Notes: Michael McCann is one of the longest serving managers in the game now, second only behind Limerick’s John Kiely.
Derry’s Gabirel O’Kane remains in situ in the management team while Kilkenny native Cian Waldron has been added.
Steven McBride and Sean Ward are on duty with the Irish Army so won’t be about while Christopher McDermott has retired. Limerick native Richie Ryan is returning though after a year out.
FERMANAGH
Managers: Daithí Hand and Peter Galvin
Year: One
Notes: Joe Baldwin brought his six-year association with the Erne County to an end, with Daithí Hand and Peter Galvin stepping into the management role having acted as coaches with the side last season.
Former Armagh player Connor Devlin will act as a coach for the side while Conor Rushe is also part of the team.
LOUTH
Managers: Paddy McArdle and Diarmuid Murphy
Year: One
Notes: Trevor Hilliard stepped down after two seasons in charge so Paddy McArdle and Diarmuid Murphy, part of his management team, have moved into the main position.
Laois native Derek Dunne, who enjoyed success with the Down camogs in recent seasons, will act as coach/selector while Eimear Kelly and Paul Egan remain from last season.
Armagh man McArdle has managed Monaghan in the past while Murphy was a noted forward for the Wee County hurlers for many years.
ROSCOMMON
Manager: Brian Hanley
Year: One
Notes: Galway native Brian Hanley is the new man in charge of the Rossies and they have put a lot of faith in him with a three-year term and a possible two-year extension following a review.
Scorer of three points as his club Athenry claimed the 2000 All-Ireland title, Hanley has managed Westmeath in the past before enjoying good success with Galway minors, winning the 2019 All-Ireland title, and the U21s.
His backroom team will include Kieran Callan , Keith Daniels, Damian Lohan and Kieran Farrell. The strength and conditioning coach will be Mike Frawley.
TYRONE
Manager: Stephen McGarry
Year: Three
Notes: Red Hand boss Stephen McGarry enters the final year of his initial three-year term.
The backroom team remains largely the same, although former Tyrone player Chris Kearns has agreed to come in.
Last year was a disappointing one with a young squad and no shortage of injuries seeing a poor year in terms of results, but with the enthusiasm of Carrickmore’s first Ulster IHC title, they’ll be expecting better.
WICKLOW
Manager: Jonathan O’Neill
Year: Three
Notes: Jonathan 'Bosco’ O’Neill is back for another trip around the sun with the Garden County.
The management team remains the same – Tom Finn and Paddy Lee remain as selectors – and they’ll be hoping they can go slightly better than last year.
In Division 3, they faced Mayo in a winner-takes-all promotion battle on the final day but lost out by six points.
They were exposed to high-level hurling in the Christy Ring Cup and agonisingly lost out on a final place on scoring difference.
DIVISION 4
CAVAN
Manager: Ollie Bellew
Year: Four
Notes: Ollie Bellew is back for a fourth season in charge of Cavan having overseen their fortunes for two campaigns before that having stepped away for a year in 2022.
It’s the same backroom team as last year, meaning his right-hand man Tomás Mannion will be patrolling the sidelines beside him once again.
A number of senior players have decided to call time on their inter-county careers so there will be a lot of change in Bellew’s squad for the season ahead.
LANCASHIRE
Manager: Liam Óg Knocker
Year: Four
Notes: Liam Óg Knocker is still looking to complete his backroom team, but he has some key components in place.
George O’Rourke is there to help out with the coaching while Liam Burns is looking after the strength and conditioning – but more bodies are expected.
The English side only won one league match last year – away to Monaghan – but they were very competitive in the majority with the exception of Louth.
The Lory Meagher campaign proved more difficult.
LEITRIM
Manager: Mike Wall
Year: Two
Notes: Mike Wall enters year two working with basically the same backroom team, but there is one new face with Kilkenny native – and former Cats’ captain - Denis Byrne coming in as a coach.
The 2000 All-Star was Brian Cody’s first-ever captain as Kilkenny boss with the player later going on to play for Tipperary.
Last year Leitrim lost to promoted Fermanagh by two points and drew with Louth, who also went up. Small margins.
LONGFORD
Manager: Diarmuid Cahill
Year: Two
Notes: Diarmuid Cahill was a late appointment last year after Adrian Moran stepped down just a few weeks out from the new season, so he’ll be glad of a proper run-in this term and one of the main advantages has been the ability to build a proper backroom team.
He’s made a notable addition with his father Dinny Cahill coming on board.
Tommy Hawes and Brían Crossan remain as selectors while Jack Greally and Tom Devereux are looking after strength and conditioning with Greally working with the squad in the early part of the season. Ella Cooney is the team nutritionist and Ryan Jones is on stats.
MONAGHAN
Manager: Arthur Hughes
Year: Five
Notes: Arthur Hughes is back in charge of the Ulster side – a fifth term in charge of the Oriel outfit.
Experienced coach Mickey McCullough is a strong addition to Hughes’ backroom team for the year ahead.
Provincial representatives Castleblayney and Truagh Gaels failed to make the finals of their respective competitions so unlike previous seasons, his players have had a bit more of a break.
SLIGO
Manager: Tom Hennessy
Year: One
Notes: Having been a part of Stephen Shiel’s backroom team last year, Limerick’s Tom Hennessy moves into the main gig having secured a two-year term.
His step up leaves a vacancy, and that has been filled by Derry’s Reece Armstrong who will be lead coach. Derek Kelly is in to help with the goalkeepers. Iarlaith Cox will look after the strength and conditioning.
Part of Limerick’s 1994 All-Ireland final losing squad, Hennessy is based in Donegal and has worked with Tyrone previously.
WARWICKSHIRE
Manager: Jamie Lynch
Year: Two
Notes: Status quo in Warwickshire again this year, although Jamie Lynch was a late appointment last season so will be hoping the building blocks are easier to put in place this time.
That late appointment showed on the pitch last year as the side made a slow start to the league. Only one win arrived in the Lory Meagher Cup, but two losses came by a single point so it could have been a lot different.
The management team has been freshened up this year; Johnny Wilson and Stevie Ahern will act as the team coaches while Mike Hanley (logistics) and Philip Byrnes (kitman) are also involved.
