TOMMY FITZGERALD is set to be appointed Laois hurling manager.
The O’Moore county were rocked last week when Darren Gleeson was forced to step down from the role in the wake of a cancer diagnosis.
The former Tipperary stopper and outgoing Antrim manager was appointed in August, but cannot continue in order to focus on his treatment and recovery.
Burt Fitzgerald is set to fill the void – and will be ratified at a county board meeting on Monday night.
The Portlaoise clubman is a former Laois hurler and was a selector under Eddie Brennan when the O’Moore county won the 2019 Joe McDonagh Cup.
He was also on the St. Thomas’ backroom team when they sealed All-Ireland club glory last January, and six Galway SHC titles in a row last season.
Fitzgerald also led his club to Laois intermediate glory last year.
Former Dublin hurler Niall Corcoran – who also served as a selector under Brennan – returns as a coach.
A Laois statement released yesterday said: “Tommy Fitzgerald is to be appointed as the new Laois Senior Hurling Manager, succeeding Darren Gleeson who stepped down from position last weekend.
“The Portlaoise native is a former Laois Intercounty hurler and has extensive coaching experience, having managed his Club, Portlaoise, to Premier Intermediate success in 2023 and was also involved as coach with St Thomas, Galway in their All Ireland Senior Club Hurling success in January 2024.
“At Intercounty level, he was a coach / selector with Eddie Brennan when Laois won the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2019.
“For 2025, he will re-unite with his former coach /selector Niall Corcoran, who will take on the role of lead Coach, with his remaining backroom team to be confirmed in coming days.
“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.”
