Declan Kelly to be appointed as new Offaly manager

Former All-Ireland Under-20 winning manager Declan Kelly has been appointed as the new manager of the Offaly footballers.

He replaces Martin Murphy, who stepped down earlier this month having moved into the role following the death of Liam Kearns.

Kelly guided the Faithful County to only their second-ever All-Ireland Under-20/21 crown in 2021 following a stunning final win over Roscommon at Croke Park.

The Kilclonfert man has also won two Westmeath SFC titles with St Loman's in recent seasons.

The expected appointment of Kelly and his backroom team will take place at the next county board meeting.

"The Management Committee of Offaly GAA is pleased to recommend Declan Kelly as manager of the Offaly Senior Football team," a statement read.

"A member of Kilclonfert GAA Club, Declan managed Offaly to Leinster and All-Ireland Under-20 Football Championship success in 2021. He also has an excellent track record as a club manager and most recently guided St Loman’s, Mullingar to back-to-back Westmeath Senior Football titles in 2020 and 2021.

"Declan’s coaching personnel will include Vinny Mooney – a former Shannonbridge and Offaly footballer who was a coach/ selector with the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Club winning side this year – and Ciaran Kilmurray from St Loman’s, Mullingar.

"The full management set-up will be finalised in the near future. Declan was proposed to the Management Committee of Offaly GAA at a meeting on the afternoon of 17 August and the decision will be brought to the next Offaly County Board meeting for ratification."