Paddy Kirwan will manage the Offaly under 21 hurlers in 2011.

The Birr man, who won an All-Ireland medal in 1981, replaces Stephen Byrne who served two years in the role. 1998 All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Byrne stepped down in the wake of last summer's trouncing by Kilkenny in the first round of the Leinster championship. Kirwan's selectors will be fellow All-Ireland winners Joe Errity (Birr) and Pat O'Connor (Coolderry).

Kirwan has extensive managerial experience, having previously guided the Offaly minors to a Leinster title in 2000. He also managed local clubs Ballyskenach, Kilcormac/Killoughey and Drumcullen, leading the latter to a Leinster club JHC final appearance against John Locke's of Kilkenny last weekend. In addition, he served as a county senior selector.

Meanwhile, Shinrone's Joe Cleary has been reappointed as Offaly minor hurling manager. His selectors will once again be Mark Corrigan (Kinnitty) and Ger Fogarty (St. Rynagh's).