Kelly set to take over as new Offaly manager

Declan Kelly has been chosen to take over as Offaly's new senior football manager and his name will be put forward for ratification at the next county board meeting.

Kelly memorably led Offaly to Leinster and All-Ireland U-20 success in 2021, when the Faithful County defeated Roscommon in the national decider, having overcome Dublin in the provincial final.

The Kilclonfert man was also manager of the St Loman's, Mullingar team which won Westmeath senior football titles in 2020 and 2021.

An Offaly GAA statement revealed that Kelly's backroom team will include Vinny Mooney, a former Shannonbridge and Offaly footballer who was a coach/selector with the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland winning side this year, and Ciaran Kilmurray of St Loman’s, Mullingar.

The full management team is expected to be finalised in the near future.

"Declan was proposed to the Management Committee of Offaly GAA at a meeting on the afternoon of 17th August and the decision will be brought to the next Offaly County Board meeting for ratification," said Offaly GAA.

Highlighting the success Kelly brought to Offaly at U-20 level in 2021, the Offaly GAA statement also pointed to his "excellent track record as a club manager".

Kelly is set to succeed Martin Murphy, who had stepped into the breach following the sudden death of former manager Liam Kearns earlier this year.

Offaly will again compete in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League next year, and Kelly will be hoping that some of the stars of his successful U-20 team will play prominent roles in the 2024 season.