Offaly have begun the hunt for a new manager after Martin Murphy announced he will step away from the role.
The former Portarlington boss came on board as a selector for 2023 alongside Liam Kearns, until the Kerry native’s sudden passing in March.
Murphy was asked to take on the post and he guided them to an emotional victory over Meath, following an opening-round win against Longford, before coming up just short of a Leinster final in an extra-time loss to Louth.
They were knocked out of the Tailteann Cup by Wexford at the preliminary quarter-final stage.
In a statement to Midlands 103, Murphy outlined that he had met with County Board chairman Michael Duignan but couldn’t commit to another year for personal reasons.
“The chairman asked if I was interested in remaining in the position for 2024. I explained to him that I felt extremely privileged and proud to have been allowed to manage my own county,” read Murphy’s statement.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of my control, I am not in a position to be able to give the necessary 100% commitment required to manage the team, and I will not be remaining on as the manager for 2024.”
Duignan praised Murphy for stepping up to the mark at a very difficult time and guiding Offaly to its best Leinster campaign in years.
The process to appoint a new manager is underway, Offaly GAA added.
Love that article…
It’s the natural incredible athletic ability personified by the foot flick to hand try ,genius. And the joy ,his personality, so much joy.Thanks Zebo
Was and still is a joy to watch. And what a great character to have in a team. He deserves all the plaudits he gets. The naysayers will have their input but they are a minority. Also a great community man who has a great way with people, couldn’t say a bad word about the man. It’ll be hard for Munster to replace a player like that
Zebo, Zebo, Zebo ❤️
Great player and always seemed to have the X factor. Genuinely a nice guy, had the pleasure of meeting him a few times.
That’s a very heartwarming article.
Shame as he still had at least another year in him from what he’s still doing on the pitch. Hopefully he will go out on a high with munster they both deserve it.
Once a ‘rogue’ etc. – but a likeable ‘rogue’ ! And his natural talents coming through so often on the pitch (probably ‘scary’ for a coach in a way – in particular J.S.