Éamonn Fitzmaurice and Galway to face Kerry in 2027 league opener

New Galway manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice will face his native Kerry in a National Football League Division 1 opener on Saturday, January 23, 2027, the Irish Examiner reported. The draft 2027 National League fixtures released to counties show that the match will take place at Pearse Stadium. [1]

Fitzmaurice will manage against his former colleague Jack O'Connor, who leads Kerry. According to the Irish Examiner, Fitzmaurice previously served as selector and coach under O'Connor when Kerry won an All-Ireland title in 2009. Fitzmaurice then became Kerry manager for the 2013 season and led the team to win the Sam Maguire Cup in 2014. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Fitzmaurice won All-Ireland senior titles as both a player and manager for Kerry. His new management setup at Galway includes UEFA Pro Licence holder Lisa Fallon as a coach, alongside Dave Morris, Gary O'Donnell, Gareth Bradshaw, and Kevin Johnston. [8][9]

The draft fixtures also detail other Round 1 matches for Sunday, January 24, 2027. The Irish Examiner reported that newly promoted Cork will host Meath in football, while the Cork hurlers will travel to face Tipperary. [1]