Kildare county champions Naas have decided not to proceed with the appointment of former Donegal, Derry and Fermanagh manager Rory Gallagher as the club's new team coach.
The four-in-a-row Kildare champions confirmed in a statement on Sunday that Gallagher was to be part of Joe Murphy’s management team for 2025.
However, the move sparked some strong public kickback – including calls online for club fundraisers to be boycotted and memberships withdrawn.
It is understood that GAA President Jarlath Burns also made contact with Naas on Sunday outlining concerns over the proposed appointment.
On Monday, a club spokesperson confirmed: “Rory Gallagher is now not part of the Naas senior football coaching and management team.”
Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in May 2023 after his former wife, Nicola, made allegations of domestic abuse. A PSNI investigation brought no charges, however Gallagher was given a temporary debarment from the GAA by the Ulster Council – a decision he later succeeded in overturning.
Gallagher had been coaching Monaghan side Corduff until recently, and in September the former Donegal and Fermanagh manager stated, through his legal team, that he fully intended to return to intercounty management.
