GALWAY HURLERS HAVE staved off interest from Munster Rugby and tied down the Polish strength and conditioning coach who played a huge role in their All-Ireland success last year.
Lukasz Kirszenstein, who was also the S&C coach to the victorious Tipperary hurlers in 2016, is to take on a wider role with Galway hurling teams over the next three years.
This will include working on a development plan with Galway hurling teams at all age levels on a singular strength and conditioning programme.
Kirszenstein had attracted interest from Munster following stints with their academy and also the Irish women’s team, with Johann van Graan needing to replace head of fitness Aled Walters, who will start work with the Springboks next month.
Galway chief executive John Hynes confirmed on Saturday that Kirszenstein will be staying with Galway.
“Lukasz has committed himself to Galway hurlers and he is not in the running for the Munster S&C position,” said Hynes.
The news will be welcomed by Galway supporters as Micheal Donoghue’s men bid to retain their All-Ireland title.
Van Graan said that Munster’s search for a replacement for Welsh native Walters is being carried out globally.
Munster are currently working with the IRFU to find a suitable candidate but their head coach insists that an appointment is not imminent.
Bad news as Tipp and Munster fan. Given the amount of coverage this lad has gotten since first joining the Tipp setup, either he is exceptional S&C coach or has a serious PR team behind him.
@Johnny 5: S&C isn’t a games changer. Good S&C coaches are plentiful out there. All teams will be pretty equal on that front. So yes, PR/hype at it’s best here.
He is a serious S&C Coach when you Bye in to his Plan. Had him at club level so seen Up Close & he is serious. Would have being a Huge Addition To Munster!
To be fair, deciding between living/working in Galway or in Limerick is a pretty easy decision to make :D
Fair play – volunteerism is the of the GAA. Loyal to his county despite the loot on offer from a professional outfit.
@Johnny A: He gets paid by Galway
@Johnny A: good one!!
He had Galway in top shape last year and very little injuries. It definitely was a big part of winning the all Ireland in 2017