Gallagher set to join Naas

Rory Gallagher is set to link up with the management team of the Naas senior footballers, it is being widely reported.

Naas GAA club released a statement on Friday to say that Joe Murphy, the Carlow man who has managed three of their four consecutive Kildare SFC title wins, would be returning as manager for the 2025 season but it is the news that broke over the weekend regarding the potential appointing of a new coach that has garnered more headlines.

A talented coach, Gallagher has enjoyed success with counties like Fermanagh, Donegal and in particular Derry, who he led to their first Ulster title in 24 years in 2022.

However, Gallagher’s appointment is a hugely controversial move based on the allegations made by his estranged wife Nicola. He stepped down from his position with Derry just a couple of days before the 2023 Ulster due to the nature of those allegations, although it must be stressed that no charges were ever brought against him and Gallagher later released a statement saying that the allegations had been “investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities''.

He was strongly linked to the position of Derry manager at the end of the 2024 season but in the face of a backlash throughout the county, the Derry county board released a statement to say that he wasn’t in consideration for the position.

Naas have been the outstanding side in Kildare for the last four years and have created history with their record breaking title winning run. However, in Leinster they haven't been able to get over the Dublin champions and their hopes of provincial glory has been ended by the metropolitan champions on each occasion. They were on the look out for a new coach following the departure of the highly regarded Kevin Downes and it appears that they have decided on this course of action. 

Gallagher, who was involved with the Corduff team alongside Seamus McEnaney last year, has a reputation as an outstanding coach and is free to coach or manage any team he likes, as are Naas free to appoint him, but it is a move that will court much controversy and discussion.