Craig Hurley moves into Director of Football role at St Mary's
Craig Hurley with daughters Keela and Ali
St Mary’s AFC took another major step forward with the appointment of Craig Hurley as Director of Football.
He'll combine his role with his current position as senior manager. For the club, it is a natural progression. For Hurley, a father of two and one of the most respected coaching figures in the region, it is recognition of the immense impact he has made since joining St Mary’s.
The club the move is part of their long-term vision.
“We are delighted to announce that Craig Hurley has been appointed Director of Football, while continuing in his role as senior manager. This is a significant step forward for the club as we continue to raise standards and provide the best possible environment for our players and coaches to develop and enjoy their football at St Mary’s.”
At just 34 years of age, Hurley already boasts an extraordinary depth of experience. A holder of UEFA B, A and Elite A Licences, his commitment to learning and best practice has seen him complete elite club visits with Ajax, Sheffield United and Celtic.
His coaching journey spans over 15 years, managing men’s teams across the MSL and AUL, alongside more than a decade working within the League of Ireland and Women’s National League structures.
Along the way, Hurley has built a reputation as both a developer of players and a mentor of coaches, combining detailed football knowledge with an engaging, approachable personality that resonates across dressing rooms and training pitches alike. That reputation is backed up by results. Hurley has played a central role in the progression of more than 50 players into senior LOI and WNL football, while over 25 players have earned underage international caps under his guidance.
His success at club level includes multiple league titles, notably helping Treaty United secure their first-ever silverware and contributing to Mary’s third First Division title. Since arriving at St Mary’s, Hurley’s influence has been transformative. Under his leadership, the senior team climbed from the lower reaches of the First Division to competing confidently at Premier level, built on a clear football identity and a strong culture of trust in young players.
That same ethos has filtered throughout the club, from senior football down to the underage sections, where his work with teams such as the U11 and U12 girls has been described as hugely influential. In his new role as Director of Football, Hurley will oversee all football operations at the club.
His responsibilities will include supporting coaches with session planning, delivering coaching workshops, and leading the academy structure with a focus on developing both players and coaches across all age groups. It is a holistic role designed to ensure that every player at St Mary’s benefits from a consistent, progressive football pathway.
Hurley is proud of his appointment.
“It’s a huge honour to be asked to take on this role. There are already so many great people working behind the scenes, and I’m excited to help, share ideas, and support all our coaches.
"My aim is to help every player in the academy improve, learn, and enjoy their football. I joined the club five years ago and it truly feels like home. I’m proud to continue this journey and make more positive changes.”
Chairman Ken Daly echoed those sentiments, highlighting the timing of the appointment as St Mary’s move towards achieving their One Star Club Mark accreditation.
“We are delighted that Craig has agreed to expand his expertise across our underage structures. We have seen first-hand the impact his coaching and personality have had at senior level, trusting young players and guiding the club from the bottom of the First Division to competing at the top end of the Premier Division.”
As Director of Football and Senior Manager, his influence will now shape the club at every level, ensuring that progress on the pitch continues to be matched by growth, opportunity and enjoyment throughout the entire St Mary’s football community.
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