Timmy Houlihan Joins Kilkenny Hurling Team Ahead of 2026 Season

BREAKING: Former Limerick goalkeeping coach Timmy Houlihan has officially joined the Kilkenny senior hurling team as part of Derek Lyng‘s backroom staff for the upcoming 2026 season. This announcement, confirmed by the Irish Independent, marks a significant step in Kilkenny’s preparations for a competitive year ahead.

Houlihan, who previously played a vital role in Limerick’s success—including their five All-Ireland hurling championships and six Munster titles from 2018 to 2024—brings invaluable experience to the Cats. His work alongside goalkeeper Nickie Quaid for six seasons solidified Limerick’s dominance in the sport. Now, he aims to replicate that success with Kilkenny, who last lifted the coveted All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship trophy in 2015.

In addition to Houlihan, Lyng has also appointed former Kilkenny hurler Eddie Brennan and ex-Dublin hurler Niall Corcoran to his management team, signaling a robust strategy to enhance Kilkenny’s performance after their recent victory in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, where they claimed their sixth title in a row.

The announcement comes in the wake of Houlihan stepping away from his previous role due to a back injury at the start of the 2024 season. Prior to this, he was instrumental in Limerick’s rise to prominence, and his return to coaching is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Kilkenny squad.

The Cats are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season, with heightened expectations from fans eager to see the team return to its former glory. Houlihan’s addition is being hailed as a strategic move that may prove pivotal as Kilkenny looks to reclaim its status among the elite in hurling.

Stay tuned for more updates as Kilkenny continues to shape its roster ahead of the 2026 season. For further coverage on Kilkenny GAA news, stay connected.