Rory Gallagher: Ex-Derry football manager appointed to coaching role with Kildare club Naas
Former Derry football manager Rory Gallagher has been appointed coach of Kildare senior club champions Naas.
Kildare released a brief statement on Sunday afternoon confirming Gallagher’s arrival at the club.
A Nurse statement said: “Joe Murphy has been re-appointed as Nurse’s senior football manager for 2025.
“Joe has confirmed that his management team will consist of Rory Gallagher, Padric Criburn, Kevin Martin, Martin Sweeney and Fionn Higgins.”
Gallagher was expected to return to the Derry senior football manager’s job in the autumn, but Oakleaf County ultimately selected Paddy Tully as Mickey Hart’s successor.
The Fermanagh man guided Derry to a first Ulster title in 24 years in 2022, but 12 months later he was proposed by estranged wife Nicola Gallagher He withdrew from the preparations for the county’s provincial finals after allegations of abuse, which he denies.
He was “temporarily disqualified” by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate the claims.
The former Donegal and Fermanagh manager successfully challenged his disqualification last February and a statement from his lawyers in September said there were no “legal barriers” to his return to football. senior positions.
The statement continued: “Our client fully intends to return to inter-county administration in the near future.”
“Two separate investigations correctly led the PPS to decide not to prosecute. Mr Gallagher has not been charged with either offence.”
Gallagher will take up a coaching role at Monaghan club Colduff in 2024.
Naas have won four consecutive Kildare Football Championships and reached the Leinster club finals in 2021 and 2023, but were beaten by Kilmacud Crokes on both occasions.
Murphy has guided Nurse to the last three Kildare titles.
