Heffernan takes top Kerry hurling job

Limerick’s tradition of supplying top hurling management personnel to next-door neighbours Kerry has continued with the unveiling this week of Pat Heffernan as its new county boss.

Inside the last decade or so, the likes of Gerry Molyneaux (St. Mary’s, Rathkeale) and Patrickswell’s PJ O’Grady have steered the fortunes of the Kingdom players. 

Club trainers in Kerry such as Eamon Cregan (Claughaun), Ahane’s Clem Smith and Clare legend Anthony Daly were also linked to the position, with Molyneaux also approached about another term at the helm.

The ratification of Heffernan came as a great surprise as he hadn’t previously been linked to club or county in Kerry. 

Previously, he coached the senior teams at Kilmallock and Murroe/Boher, along with his own club side Blackrock (Ardpatrick/Kilfinane).

Heffernan, of course, featured at full-forward on Tom Ryan’s Limerick XV that so stylishly won the Munster Championship of 1994, only to lose out in a freakish nature against Offaly in the All-Ireland Final the following September at Croke Park. 

He left the scene shortly afterwards only to be dramatically recalled many years later by then manager Padjoe Whelehan.

With Blackrock, Heffernan was ever-present, playing at junior, intermediate and senior with his home club. 
In another life, Heffo led University College Cork to land the prestigious Fitzgibbon Cup in 1989/90.

It was from there that Heffernan qualified as a school teacher, a profession in which he has immersed himself with considerable note over the years.  He has also been involved with numerous underage teams.

On the political front, Heffernan’s move into the heartland of Kingdom hurling in North Kerry won’t hinder the political ambitious of younger brother James (Labour) – he gained exposure in the last General Election when polling well as a first-time candidate and with North Kerry joined-up with West Limerick next time around, young Heffo will be hoping his older brother can pick-up some loose votes to help him land a coveted seat in Leinster House.

Heffernan, along with his new management team, is expected to be officially endorsed tonight as the new man to guide the fortunes of Kerry hurling. 

Kerry have home advantage against either Clare or Waterford in the semi-final of this year’s Munster Intermediate Championship – Kerry no longer partake in the senior competition.