As one Kilkenny man departs, another steps into the fold.
Kildare GAA have announced (Thursday) that former Kilkenny senior camogie manager, and current KCLR analyst, Brian Dowling is to be appointed as the county’s senior hurling manager, subject to a meeting of the Kildare county board next week. It’s a first foray into senior inter-county hurling management for Dowling.
Twice a manager of the year with Kilkenny during the victorious All-Ireland senior camogie campaigns of 2020 and 2022, Dowling departed the inter-county setup following Kilkenny’s quarter-final exit of this year’s Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship at the hands of Cork.
His near five-year involvement was mirrored by that of David Herity with Kildare, the former Kilkenny senior hurling shot-stopper departing his role with the Lilywhites this past July. During his time in charge, Herity steered Kildare to two Christy Ring cup wins, a Kehoe Cup, the Division 2B national league title and a Division 2A league final. However, five straight defeats in this year’s Joe McDonagh Cup – won by Carlow – will mean Kildare will compete in the Christy Ring once more in 2024.
Danesfort native Nigel O’Hara, who was part of Herity’s backroom team at Kildare, will remain with the county and join Dowling on the sidelines. It marks O’Hara’s third season with Kildare having previously been involved with Dublin’s Na Fianna as both a player and coach.
Dowling has also been at the helm of the St. Kieran’s College Croke Cup team, guiding the Kilkenny city school to a 3-13 to 0-12 victory over Presentation College Athenry this past March.
He will take up the role for the 2024 season.
Statement from Kildare GAA
“Kildare GAA wish to announce that Brian Dowling will be proposed by the Management Committee as the new Kildare Senior Hurling Manager for 2024. His nomination will be put forward for ratification at Tuesday’s County Board Meeting (12th September). “
“Brian was manager of the Kilkenny Senior Camogie team for the last four years guiding the team to 2 All-Ireland Senior Championships, 4 Leinster Championships and 1 National League title. ”
“Nigel O’Hara will join Brian as coach/selector with the full backroom team to be confirmed in the coming weeks. “
Reflecting on his time with Kilkenny
In the wake of his camogie exit, Brian Dowling sat down with our Camán Caint crew in July of this year to discuss his term in charge of the Cats, All-Ireland wins and defeats and why now was the right time for him to step away. You can hear that interview in full below.
