Next Laois Senior Hurling Manager for 2025

[Laois man]

Any idea whats Glesson backroom team with the senior hurlers?

[The infidel in exile]

Firstly I want to congratulate Portarlington on just winning another senior football title beating Portlaoise by 9 points. Now to the question of our new senior hurling manager. I noticed one of the lad's referring to his appointment as lazy, which although everyone has the subjective right to their opinion, I personally found it slightly disingenuous. Let's look at the Man's hurling credentials. 6 Munster titles. 2 All ireland titles, 1 NHL title and 1 all star. To refer to someone who is still only 43 and won 10 titles is far from a lazy appointment. Gleeson brought Antrim out of the JMD and back to the top table and led them to victory against the current ALL Ireland champions. I have a friend from the Glen's and he is wax lyrical about the way Gleeson's obsession to detail whilst unearthing young talent is second to none. Antrim we're in the doldrums 5 years ago when he took over, and he instilled a vision for the team and he has left Antrim hurling in a far better place than where they were when he walked through the door. It's October 2024 and at this moment nobody knows how many of last years team will commit in 2025, but depending on how Clough Balacolla get on in Leinster and how some of the RE lad's get over losing the final will want to give another year to the county, but I can't see Paddy Purcell or Roddy not wanting to play for the County as they are excellent examples of players who, although knowing that they won't winning a Leinster or ALL ireland, they will give 100% and want to win another Joe mcdonagh, a competition that we are strangely favourites for. But there are a few good young hurlers that I have no doubt Gleeson already has his eye on. I for one would love to see young Duggan and a couple other Harps hurlers given a go along side Byrne from Abbeyleix and possibly Obular. I know some of you don't believe that he is senior County material, but if he is not called up then Abbeyleix who got to the 23 Final and lost to RE by a goal in this year's semi final, tells me that there should by more than one Abbeyleix player on the county panel. That been said I Wish Darren and the panel all the best for 2025 and with Division 1B very open other than Waterford for the first time in years and winning the Joe mcdonagh definitely reachable, I'm actually slightly optimistic for the first time in Years.

[Verbal]

It was me who said it was lazy.

When challenged to name alternatives I didn't come up with too many.

I still wonder how many they spoke to. It seemed that when Gleeson became available it was a done deal.
That doesn't necessarily reflect on his ability.
It's just I have a feeling they jumped to take a handy, safe option.

[The infidel in exile]

I agree with you that it seems on the surface that it was a safe option, I'm not to sure regarding the term handy. The simple reason why some of us seem to get irate,either with each other, the County board, players not committing etc, comes from a good place as all of the contributors to the talk want the betterment of Laois as a hurling County. For instance, one of the lad's pointed to Antrim as having far more senior hurlers registered than Laois, then pointed to the development of Casement as a positive move although that ship has since sailed. What many fail to grasp is the Fact that West and North Belfast(Nationalist areas) are almost 80% gaelic football and soccer. Donegal Celtic have a bigger membership than any Gaa club in Belfast. Secondly due to demographics regarding Faa participation, Cork is by far the second biggest in the Country, especially in hurling.

Let's be totally honest, we don't know who they did or did not speak to but I sense that they got the man they wanted. Everything now depends on who he brings in as I personally believe that he will need a Camross man there as sometimes they have a slight tendency to put the County a distant second to Club hurling which is not me being judgemental but honest, although it does seem to be changing with the younger crop of talent.It won't be long before we know who is committing and what he is like because although I might sound optimistic, I'm convinced on a good day that a strong Laois team have the ability to beat Antrim Westmeath Offaly and Carlow. In fact I can't remember a time since the late eighties since Laois hurlers have a more than decent chance of picking up at least 6 points in the second tier of hurling in years.

[mcwregor]

I like your optimism TIIE. Trouble is getting the panel back together again is Gleesons biggest challenge. Ross King gone to Dubai for the forseeable, Eric Killeen heading to OZ. Doubts over Ryan Mullaney and Mossy Keyes due to travel commitments (both those would be huge loses). Picky Maher is said to be retiring?? (Another huge loss if true). Paddy Purcell wanted to retire fr the past two years
If we lose those we are in bother. If we can get them back we will have a great chance and if Cha was to stay at home and commit he would be another big addition. I think Gleeson will be very good but ultimately its the make up of his panel that will define his success in laois.

[Laois man]

Still no update on Gleesons back room team yet?

[G@@]

Still no update on Gleesons back room team yet?

Didn't hear a thing.

[The infidel in exile]

Still no update on Gleesons back room team yet?

Didn't hear a thing.

[Galtee1]

Its all very on the down low. Any word on the panel assembled

[Riseagain]

STATEMENT FROM DARREN GLEESON
I regret to announce that I am stepping down as Laois Senior Hurling manager to undergo treatment for cancer. The cancer was diagnosed following a recent accident in which my upper arm was broken unexpectedly. It is essential, based on the medical advice I have received, that I focus fully in the months ahead on my treatment and recovery. Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to continue the busy and responsible role of being an inter-county manager.
I was very honoured to be appointed Laois senior hurling manager. Having put extensive plans in place, I was really looking forward to the year ahead working with a very talented and ambitious group of players.
I want to thank Laois County Board, especially Chairman, PJ Kelly; Secretary, Niall Handy; and Hurling Chairman, Mattie Collier for their total understanding and support. I extend best wishes for 2025 to the Laois players, County Board and my successor.
This is a challenging and difficult time for my family and me, but we are determined and optimistic about the road ahead. We are fortunate to enjoy great support from our families, friends and local community in Portroe.
I won't be making any further public comment and hope that everybody understands our need for privacy at this time.

MESSAGE FROM LAOIS GAA
Laois GAA wish to acknowledge the huge amount of work and enthusiasm Darren has brought to the role in appointing a back room team and forming a Senior Hurling panel for 2025 season since his appointment. I would like to wish him well on the challenging journey he has ahead and know with his optimism and his positivity that this is a game he will win. Our prayers and best wishes are with him and his family at this time. Laois GAA has commenced the process of sourcing an alternative Senior Hurling Manager.

[The infidel in exile]

May God bless and God speed to our former manager. Mortality is more important than any code of Sport

[Spiritof1915]

At times like this, sport is insignificant.
Best wishes to Darren Glesson and here's hoping he makes a speedy and successful recovery. 

[Ogie]

Sincere best wishes to Darren Gleeson, awful position to be in, hopefully will recover.

New manager being announced tonight I hear.

[Laois man]

Best wishes to Darren

[G@@]

Awful news for Darren and his family. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery and hopefully someday soon he will be in a position to be our hurling manager.