Eddie Brennan admits that he 'nearly fell off the chair' when the call came asking him to manage the Kilkenny under-21s.
The eight-time All-Ireland winner was confirmed in the role this week, but he revealed to the Kilkenny People that it was a huge shock to get the call from county board chairman Ned Quinn.
Brennan led Lisdowney to the 2013 JHC title, but he would have earned tonnes of experience being involved with Brian Cody's squads over the years.
Indeed, it has been revealed that Cody will be part of the under-21 management team as the county go in search of their first All-Ireland title at this level since 2008.
"It was a shout out of left field," said Brennan. "I was in work when Ned Quinn rang. When his number came up I wondered what he wanted. When he told me I nearly fell off the chair.
"From time to time you get people asking about club work, but I felt I had enough on my plate. But when your own county comes calling it is hard to say no. It is the next best thing to playing for your county."
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