Brian Dowling to continue as Kildare boss after failing in bid to land Kilkenny job

STAYING PUT: Brian Dowling will lead Kildare into the 2027 season Photo: ©INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Brian Dowling, who was unsuccessful in his bid to become the new Kilkenny hurling manager, will remain on as Kildare boss.

Dowling was interviewed for the Kilkenny job that was confirmed as going to Henry Shefflin on Monday evening, with Kildare GAA confirming on Tuesday morning that Dowling will serve a fourth season on the Lilywhites sideline.

Dowling achieved successive promotions through the Christy Ring and Joe McDonagh Cup during his first two seasons at the helm, and while they were unable to hold on in the topflight this summer, Kildare did not lack for competitiveness in the Leinster round-robin.

In their Round 3 game at home to now All-Ireland finalists Galway, Kildare led the Tribes by 12 points late in the first half.

On the League front, Kildare will again compete in Division 1B next year after wins over Antrim, Down, and Carlow helped them to a fourth-place finish in the League’s second tier.

“Kildare GAA are delighted to confirm that Brian Dowling will remain in charge of the Kildare Senior Hurling Team for 2027.

“We look forward to building on the success achieved over the last few years and we wish Brian and his management team the very best going forward,” read a brief statement released by Kildare GAA.

Dowling, ex-Carlow manager Tom Mullaly and former Kilkenny senior selector Noel Doherty were the other candidates interviewed for the Kilkenny role along with Shefflin. Ex-U20 manager Mark Dowling withdrew his name.