Offaly has been informed that Martin Murphy will not continue as the county’s senior football manager. Murphy was previously part of the late Liam Kearns’ management team and took over the role of manager after Kearns' sudden passing in March
During the Leinster SFC campaign, Offaly performed impressively, securing victories against Longford and Meath before losing a closely contested semi-final to Louth after extra-time.
Although it was expected that Murphy would continue in the managerial position, he released a statement this afternoon stating that he is unfortunately unable to fully commit for the 2024 season.
As a result, the search for a new Faithful County senior football manager has commenced, with All-Ireland winning U20 manager Declan Kelly already being tipped as the frontrunner
Martin Murphy says he’s ‘extremely privileged and proud’ to have got the chance to manage his county.
But he informed Offaly chairman Michael Duignan in recent weeks that he wouldn’t be able to give the necessary commitment in 2024. pic.twitter.com/YxedlYQBYX— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) August 2, 2023
Full Statement by Martin Murphy
"Following recent media print speculation that Offaly would likely seek a new football manager, as a review of management teams commenced, I wish to state the following:
"I became a selector and part of Liam Kearns's management team in October 2022," he said on the county's website
"After Liam’s sudden passing on the 12th of March, 2023 (RIP), I was asked to step into the manager role.
"The aftermath of Liam’s untimely death was a challenging and emotional time, profoundly affecting the players and the management team for some time afterward. Despite the unexpected and traumatic loss of Liam, the players and management endeavored to give our very best for the remainder of the year.
"Several weeks ago, I met with the chairman of the County Board, Michael Duignan, to discuss and review the past year.
"We discussed the targets we had set for ourselves as a team at the beginning of the year.
"As it transpired, 2023 proved to be Offaly’s most successful Leinster championship campaign in sixteen years. The team played some outstanding football, beating Longford and Meath and reaching the Leinster semi-final against Louth in Croke Park, only to lose after extra time.
"However, our performance in the Tailteann Cup competition did not meet our expectations. Despite qualifying for the preliminary quarter-final, we exited the competition after a loss to Wexford in Tullamore.
"The team played nineteen games since January 7th, sixteen of which were competitive, and all games were condensed into twenty-four weeks.
"The chairman asked if I was interested in remaining in the position for 2024. I explained that I felt extremely privileged and proud to have been allowed to manage my own County. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I am unable to provide the necessary 100% commitment required to manage the team, and therefore, I will not be continuing as the manager for 2024.
Martin Murphy of Gracefield, who was appointed as Offaly Senior Football Manager in March of this year, following the sudden death of Liam Kearns (RIP), has released a statement confirming that he will not be remaining as manager in 2024.
In response, County Board Chairperson,… pic.twitter.com/OnkPzVGMUn— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) August 2, 2023
"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the players for their hard work, tremendous effort, and unwavering support throughout the year. I also extend my thanks to the management and backroom team for their time, expertise, and excellent work in preparing the team, including the selectors/coaches, S&C coaches, analysts, physiotherapists, doctor, kit men, catering staff, and the team secretary.
"I am deeply appreciative of the support and cooperation from the staff at Faithful Fields and Glenisk O’Connor Park, who were always extremely helpful and courteous, making it a pleasure to deal with them.
"It was truly amazing to be part of and witness the joy the team brought to the Offaly supporters this year, especially the scenes following our quarter-final win against Meath in Tullamore, and the immense support from the fans who traveled to Croke Park. To all Offaly supporters, thank you.
"I want to sincerely thank Michael Duignan and the officers of the County Board for their unwavering support and for granting me the opportunity to manage this team; I am truly grateful and deeply honored.
"Finally, I extend my best wishes to the players and incoming management team for a successful 2024.
Esto Fidelis
Martin Murphy"
