Newcestown hurling boss Daniel Twomey looking forward to challenge

While Daniel Twomey will be the youngest manager in the 2025 Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC, he won’t lack for experience.

The new Newcestown manager will be 36 by the time they open their championship campaign against Bride Rovers on Saturday, August 1 but, since his retirement from playing he has amassed a strong off-field portfolio.

As well as serving as a selector with the club’s senior football team under Tim Buckley – helping them to win the SAFC in 2023 – he was involved in coaching St Mary’s hurlers as they reached the Carbery JAHC final and also logged time with Newcestown camogie and under-age sides.

With Niall O’Sullivan having stepped down as manager after what was an encouraging year for Newcestown in the Premier SHC, Twomey was happy to take on the role.

“I did a bit of coaching after I stopped playing and I enjoyed it,” he says.

“When you stop playing, you miss it. I know you’d be giving out that you’re up there three nights a week or whatever, but you’d miss it when you stop.

“There were a few phone calls about getting involved and, in a small club, it’s hard to get fellas. I’m delighted to be there.”

Waterford native Wayne Power is remaining as coach from last year – Twomey cites his presence as a major boost – and the remainder of the ticket are natives.

Conor O’Donovan retains his selectorial role, ensuring a good degree of continuity, and Rick Bradfield has also come on board as a selector, so there is plenty of in-built knowledge of the squad.

“I’ve played with a lot of them and trained a lot of them, from under-age up to this level,” Twomey says.

“Even last year, I wasn’t a selector with the footballers but I was still on the line with them, so I obviously know all the lads.

“Trying to stay injury-free is the big thing. We only have the bare 20, 22 players or whatever – if we have them, we’ll be flying but you never know.

“We’re lucky enough, we don’t have that many fellas going away – if we did, we’d be under pressure. Gearóid [O’Donovan] is the only fella that’s away but I think he’ll be back again in the summer for us, he’ll be a huge asset after the way he performed last year.”

As well as Bride Rovers, Newcestown will have group games against the 2025 beaten county finalists Midleton and semi-finalists St Finbarr’s.

It will be a challenge, but, equally, Twomey hopes that they can make it a challenge for the sides they face, too.

“We thrive on it,” he says.

“I don’t think people like playing us either, it’s not going to be an easy one when you’re playing Newcestown.

“We rarely get bad beatings and I don’t think that’ll be happening as the lads put in so much effort.”