Naas make dramatic U-turn on Rory Gallagher appointment

Michael Bolton

Rory Gallagher will now not be linking up with the Naas senior football team as a coach as was previously reported.

The former Donegal, Fermanagh and Derry manager was set to take up a role on Joe Murphy’s management team, but after meetings within the club in the last 24 hours - and following an intense social media backlash - Naas has reportedly backed out of the appointment.

Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in May 2023 after his former wife, Nicola, made allegations of domestic abuse, though a PSNI investigation brought no charges.

The former Donegal and Fermanagh manager had been linked with a move back to Derry following the departure of Mickey Harte, but Paddy Tally was appointed as manager.

Gallagher managed Derry to an Ulster title in 2022 and remained with the county for the start of the 2023 season before stepping down in the lead-up to that year’s provincial decider.

Naas have dominated Kildare club football in recent years, but have come up short in their bid for a maiden Leinster senior title over the past four seasons.

After two defeats to Kilmacud Crokes, Naas lost against Dublin champions Cuala in the quarter-finals back in November.