Murphy takes on manager role after sudden death of Kearns

Offaly GAA has appointed Martin Murphy as the county's senior football manager for the remainder of the 2023 season.

The Gracefield clubman steps up from the role of selector following the sudden death of team manager Liam Kearns on Sunday last.

Murphy guided Portarlington to three Laois senior football titles in a row from 2020 to 2022, and his side pushed Kilmacud Crokes close in a Leinster club semi-final during that period.

Tullamore’s John Rouse and Alan Flynn (an All-Ireland U-20 winning manager with Galway) also remain part of the management team.

Offaly's first match with Murphy in charge will be this Saturday's Allianz Football League Division 3 clash against Tipperary at FBD Semple Stadium. The throw-in for the game in Thurles has been brought forward to 2pm.

Ironically, the late Liam Kearns was a former Tipperary manager and he led the Premier County to an All-Ireland semi-final appearance during his time at the helm.

In this year’s league campaign, Offaly are among the promotion contenders and they are one of three teams on six points along with Down an Westmeath. On the other hand, Tipperary are battling relegation with just point on the table.