Rory Gallagher lined up for new coaching role in Kildare

The reappointment of Murphy, who has led Naas to three of their last four senior county championships, was confirmed last week and Gallagher is expected to replace Kevin Downes in his management team.

Gallagher had been coaching Monaghan club Corduff. The 46-year-old stepped down as Derry manager prior to the 2023 Ulster final following allegations of domestic abuse made against him by his estranged wife Nicola. Although there was a PSNI investigation, no charges were pressed.

In February this year, Gallagher successfully contested a temporary barring order made against him by the Ulster Council. The Disputes Resolution Authority ruled the province’s decision “was not disproportionate on the facts of the case”.

In September, Gallagher signalled he was available to return to the role but despite support from inside the Derry County Board he was not offered a return and former Kerry coach Paddy Tally was eventually appointed in November.

Naas have lost two of the last four Leinster senior club finals. Both 2021 and ’23 defeats came at the hands of Kilmacud Crokes and each to the tune of seven points.

In 2022, Crokes knocked them out at the quarter-final stage. Last year, they were again beaten by the Dublin champions, Cuala, in the last eight.