The Laois senior hurlers have a new manager – just days after it was announced that Darren Gleeson had stepped down following a cancer diagnosis.
Portlaoise’s Tommy Fitzgerald will take charge and will be assisted by Niall Corcoran.
The pair previously worked together under Eddie Brennan when Laois won the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2019.
Fitzgerald played with the Laois senior hurlers for 14 seasons and was on the side that famously beat Offaly in the Leinster championship in 2015.
After his time under Brennan, Fitzgerald enjoyed success with St Thomas’ in Galway and his native Portlaoise.
Laois GAA confirmed the news in a statement this morning.
They 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 Mondays County Committee meeting.”
With no Walsh Cup this year, Fitzgerald’s first game will come in the new National Hurling League Division 2.
After that, Laois will once again compete in the Joe McDonagh Cup.
