The GAA is delighted to announce the appointment of Kilkenny’s Martin Fogarty to the newly established role of National Hurling Development Manager.
Martin Fogarty was a selector/coach with Brian Cody and Kilkenny senior teams from 2005 to 2013, during which Kilkenny won six All Ireland Senior titles. He also managed Kilkenny U21’s to two All-Ireland championships in 2003 and 2004.
The establishment of the role of National Hurling Development Manager was one of the recommendations of the Hurling 2020 Committee, appointed by Iar-Uachtarán Liam Ó Néill and chaired by former Tipperary All-Ireland winning manager and player Liam Sheedy.
The role will involve working towards the delivery of the Hurling 2020 Committee report findings, a review of county games programmes for club players, and devising other activities and initiatives with the aim of maximising participation across all levels of the game.
It will also include specific responsibility for the development of hurling in five counties (Westmeath, Carlow, Offaly, Laois and Antrim) and consideration of the restoration of a mentoring programme in designated counties.
Liam Sheedy said: “A key goal of the committee was the appointment of a suitable candidate to implement its recommendations and who would take a strategic view of the development of hurling. I’m delighted the GAA has succeeded in appointing someone of Martin’s calibre.
Martin Fogarty served as a Kilkenny selector between 2005 and 2013.
“His understanding of and passion for the game is second to none and he will brings a wealth of experience in a variety of different areas to this role. I believe that Martin will make a tangible difference to the health and direction of hurling and I wish him well in his new post.2
Martin Fogarty added: “Hurling has always been my life and I’m delighted and honoured to have appointed as National Hurling Development Manager.
“There is tremendous work taking place in the development and promotion of hurling around the country – not all of it being recognised and not all of it yielding trophies.
“But I want to shine a light on the work that is being done to grow the game and to support it and also work to ensure that hurling has a great future.”
Martin Fogarty takes up his new role on 29 August.
By Mary Morgan Fri 1st Jul
