Former Laois player Tommy Fitzgerald will succeed Darren Gleeson as the county’s new senior hurling manager.
Gleeson, who was preparing for his first season as O’Moore County manager, announced last weekend that he was stepping down to undergo cancer treatment.
Laois have now moved to install Gleeson’s replacement, with Portlaoise’s Fitzgerald taking on the role. Former Dublin defender Niall Corcoran will be the team’s lead coach.
Fitzgerald managed his native club to Premier intermediate success in 2023 and was also a coach with St Thomas’ when they won the All-Ireland club title in January of this year.
Fitzgerald and Corcoran worked together previously during Eddie Brennan’s spell as Laois senior hurling manager.
“Laois GAA wish to take this opportunity to wish Tommy and his management team very best of luck for 2025. His name will be put forward for ratification at next Monday’s County Committee meeting,” stated the county board.
Gleeson spent five seasons as Antrim manager – leading the Saffrons to two Joe McDonagh Cup triumphs – in 2020 and 2022. Antrim also claimed the Division Two league title under his tutelage in 2020.
The former Tipperary goalkeeper announced in July that he was ending his time with Antrim, and the following month Laois GAA confirmed they would be putting his name forward to succeed Willie Maher.
Gleeson had plans in place for his maiden season with the O’Moore County but health reasons have forced him to vacate the role before the 2025 season begins.
“I regret to announce that I am stepping down as Laois senior hurling manager to undergo treatment for cancer,” stated the Tipperary native last weekend.
“The cancer was diagnosed following a recent accident in which my upper arm was broken unexpectedly.
“It is essential, based on the medical advice I have received, that I focus fully in the months ahead on my treatment and recovery.
“Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to continue the busy and responsible role of being an intercounty manager.
“I was very honoured to be appointed Laois senior hurling manager. Having put extensive plans in place, I was really looking forward to the year ahead working with a very talented and ambitious group of players.
“I want to thank Laois County Board, especially chairman PJ Kelly, secretary Niall Handy and hurling chairman Mattie Collier for their total understanding and support. I extend best wishes for 2025 to the Laois players, county board and my successor.
“This is a challenging and difficult time for my family and me, but we are determined and optimistic about the road ahead. We are fortunate to enjoy great support from our families, friends and local community in Portroe.”
Fitzgerald has a long association with Laois hurling and will be hoping to lead his native county back to next year’s Joe McDonagh Cup final, having lost the decider by three points to Offaly in 2024. The county’s only McDonagh Cup triumph was achieved in 2019.
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