O'Halloran and Lahart look set to remain at the helm for another year

Reigning SHC champions Kildalkey are almost certain to have Pat O'Halloran and Daire Lahart once more guiding their fortunes in 2022.

Both men have expressed an interest in staying on for another term with the aim of holding onto the Jubilee Cup

However, they will not only be concerned with just how the seniors fare out. They are likely to take charge of the club's intermediate and junior sides, just as they did in 2021.

"We are just concerned with the second and third teams as we are with the club seniors, if not more so," said O'Halloran. "Every player, no matter, what level he plays at is treated exactly the same. We train all together we don't separate the players, I don't believe in that.

"It's important to a small club like ours that we keep everybody involved. We can't afford to lose anybody."

The O'Halloran/Lahart management team has proved to be very successful.

When Kildalkey defeated Kiltale (0-18 to 2-6) to claim the Jubilee Cup last November it was the club's second SHC triumph in three years under the O'Halloran/Lahart combination with selectors Martin Carr and Karl Leavy making up the rest of the management set-up.

Both O'Halloran and Lahart also had spells as managers of the Kildalkey senior side. O'Halloran, who is from Tipperary, filled that role when Kildalkey won a three-in-a-row in 2009, 2010 and 2011 while Lahart, a Galwayman, was in charge for 2015 and 2016.

Lahart says the combination works with all involved looking to bringing something different to the table.

"Sometimes the joint management structure doesn't work because one or other wants to take control but we both bring different perspectives so it works very well from that point of view," he said.

"Pat has been there, done that, bought the t-shirt several times, so there's no better man to be in with, he has a huge knowledge of hurling. Hopefully also Martin Carr and Karl Leavy will be board again because they have been vital to the whole thing."

"It's very likely we'll stay on, we don't want to pre-empt any thing or anybody but it's likely we'll give it a go for another year.

"The demands of management does take up a lot of time, especially looking after three teams, but those are the sacrifices you make if it helps the club develop," added Lahart.

"We are producing three or four minors every year and it's important they have a third team or a second team there for them, some outlet or else you'll lose them."