BREAKING: Naas Opt Not To Appoint Rory Gallagher As Senior Football Coach

Monday, 6 January 2025 15:23

The Fermanagh man was to join Joe Murphy's background team

Kfm has learned that Naas will now not appoint former Derry, Donegal and Fermanagh manager Rory Gallagher as a coach with their Senior Football team.

Local reaction to the news in the last few days had been mixed, with some people on social media calling on Naas to reverse the decision.

It's understood Croke Park contacted Naas about the matter and expressed some concerns.

Kfm has received confirmation from sources within the club that the appointment is "definitely not happening", and that the club is not commenting any further.

Gallagher managed Derry to a first Ulster title in 24 years in 2022 but stood down in the build-up to the county's provincial final appearance 12 months later after allegations of abuse were made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.

He was then "temporarily debarred" by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate claims.

The former Donegal and Fermanagh manager successfully challenged that disbarment last February, and a statement from his solicitors in September said there was no "legal impediment" to prevent him returning to a senior role in the game.

"Our client fully intends to return to inter county management in the near future," the statement continued.

"Two separate investigations have led - rightly - to decisions by the PPS not to prosecute. Mr Gallagher has not been charged with a single offence."

Gallagher had a coaching role with Monaghan club Corduff in 2024.

Naas have won four successive Kildare Football titles and reached the Leinster Club Finals in 2021 and 2023 when they were defeated on both occasions by Kilmacud Crokes.

Murphy has been in charge at Naas for the club's last three Kildare title triumphs.