Declan Ryan has been confirmed as the next Tipperary hurling manager.

He takes over from Liam Sheedy who led the side to an epic All-Ireland win over Kilkenny.

Sheedy, however, resigned because of pressure of work soon after the famous victory.

Ryan won three All Ireland hurling medals with Tipperary and later managed the minor team to an All ireland title.

Ironically he took over from Sheedy on that occasion too.

Tipp will start off with a tough defence of their title against Cork in the first round of the Munster Championships.

Ryan knows he has a tough act to follow.

Tipp supporters, know the team is a very young squad and that they have an under 21 title in the bag as well as a senior title.

They will fully expect more glory in the coming years.

However, there was ominous news from Kilkenny with word that manager Brian Cody will be back for his thirteenth year.

Cody,no doubt, will be out for revenge against Tipp.

If they meet again in September the public will flock to the game.

The last two all Irelands between the two sides have been among the best hurling finals in history.