Carlow was the only job that would have tempted Murphy away from Naas

Joe Murphy said that he wouldn’t have left his position as manager of Naas for any job other than managing his native county, Carlow.

Murphy managed Naas to the last three of their four successive Kildare SFC titles and spent the early months of this year busily preparing a ‘drive for five’.

However, that all changed when Carlow came calling after Shane Curren departed his role just three days after the end of the National League and although he found it a difficult decision, he just couldn’t say no to Carlow when they came calling.

When asked if he it was the only job that would have tempted him away from Naas, the Éire Óg clubman said:

“100%, there would have had been no other reason.

“It was one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make. I have a great grá for Naas and they treated me very well up there. They have been very successful but sometimes your heart can rule your head,” said Murphy.

There was a school of thought that Murphy might emulate Tom Mullally and double job in the manner that Mullally manages the Naas and Carlow hurlers but although Murphy said that was considered in the end it just didn’t seem possible.

“Naas is practically like a county team, it’s a vibrant spot and they have great ambitions. Maybe initially there was a thought that way but when you got down to do the math on it then it wasn’t really viable. It was only one or the other really and I decided to come home to Carlow,” said Murphy.

Murphy’s first game in charge of Carlow ended in defeat on Sunday in the Leinster Championship in Pairc Tailteann against Meath and he is now looking forward to preparing for the opening round of the Taileann Cup in little under five weeks’ time.

“That time will be really priceless for us and I’m looking forward to that because I saw enough green shoots there at times today that there’s loads to work on. There’s loads to do but there is a good character in the dressing room. They are committed to representing their county and it’s up to us now to develop that,” said Murphy.

Naas began life after Murphy with a win over Clane in the League on Saturday evening and their search for a permanent replacement is well underway with high profile names like Jason Sherlock and Dessie Dolan linked to the post.