Brian Dowling set to be new Kildare hurling manager

Two-time All-Ireland winning camogie manager Brian Dowling will be appointed as the new Kildare senior hurling boss next week.

Dowling, who led Kilkenny to All-Ireland senior camogie titles in 2020 and 2022, will replace another former Cats player, David Herity.

Dowling stepped down from the Kilkenny camogie position in July and following a comprehensive process, he was tonight backed to be the new Lilywhite boss following a meeting of the county's executive. His appointment will be ratified at next Tuesday’s county board meeting.

Dowling, a former Kilkenny hurler, took over from Ann Downey in 2019 as manager of his county’s senior camogie team.

As well as putting player welfare to the fore, he landed those two All-Ireland titles, won the camogie Manager of the Year award in both of those seasons and also led the side to a Division 1 title in 2021 as well as four Leinster senior titles.

Earlier this year, he guided St Kieran’s College, where he works as a career guidance counsellor, to their 24th Croke Cup title, beating Presentation Athenry in the final.

There was much interest in the position vacated by Herity several weeks ago with a number of candidates selected for interview following correspondence from the board.

Kildare will hope to at least consolidate their position in Division 2 of the NHL and will look to target the Christy Ring championship and a quick return to the McDonagh Cup following relegation this season.

Nigel O’Hara will accompany Dowling as coach and selector.