Kildare GAA: Naas on the look-out for new boss as Philly departs

The summer love affair between Naas and former Dublin great, Philly McMahon, has ended amicably (or so we hear).

The courtship began in June, in fairness, was only for the remainder of the championship season of 2025, before a long-term relationship would be up for discussion.

Now after a mere five months, Philly has returned to the Big Smoke, while Naas are on the look-out for their fifth manager in, remarkably, five years, in a spell that saw them winning four senior titles, reached two Leinster Club finals, losing both the Kilmacud Crokes (2021 and 2023).

It was back in 2021 when manager Paul Kelly, departed the hot seat of Naas senior footballers, a mere two weeks before the SFC semi-final, not confirmed, but understood, a move that had littler to do with football.

In stepped the experienced Eoin Doyle and Eamonn Callaghan, in a player-led management set-up, going on to win the county town team's first championship in some thirty-one years.

Joe Murphy, took charge in 2022 and in the following three years made it three-in-a-row for the Carlow native, but more importantly, four-in-a-row for Naas in an unprecedented run of success.

In March of this year, it another shock announcement, Murphy left the five-in-a-row seeking Naas to take charge, temporarily at first, but later for a three years stint, with his native Carlow. It was a move that caused a lot of ripples, not just in Naas and within the county but  further afield, a real head scratcher to say the very least.

Naas were on the hunt again with former Donegal manager Rory Gallagher who played for both Fermanagh and Cavan, being mentioned. However, amid much rancour and disagreement, Gallagher's name was withdrawn by the Naas Executive, coming under pressure from GAA President Jarlath Burns, amongst others, not to appoint the controversial Gallagher.

The search resumed before the man to get the plumb job was none other that former Dublin great, and multiple All-Ireland winner Philly McMahon, that was only five months ago.

Naas, of course, lost out to Athy in the Kildare county final a few short weeks ago and now comes the news that McMahon, will not be extending his four month stay and has exited the club, his association with the county town team akin to a bit of a summer fling.

So Naas will now begin the search for their fifth manager in five years.

Despite failing to make it five senior titles in a row, this remains a very sought-after managerial position and no doubt some big names will be interested.

Will Naas stay in-house or will they be tempted, again, to look outside for a proven name?

Who knows.

One thing is for sure, there will be no shortage of interest.