Ulster u-20 management teams take shape ahead of throw-in

Antrim

Manager:

Colin Toal

Backroom:

Same as 2025 for Toal – Michael Gerard Doherty, Thomas Logan, Stephen Bateson, Peter McKeever, Stephen McCann and Gavin Breslin make up his staff as the Saffrons try to make a mark. They’re away to Fermanagh first time out.

One to Watch:

JJ Higgins featured in Team of the Week last month after a stunning showing in the MacLarnon Cup final for Aquinas Grammar. He started that game at centre half-forward but also a very useful option on the edge of the square.

First game: Fermanagh (Wednesday, March 25, Tempo, 7.30pm)

Armagh

Manager:

Barry O’Hagan

Backroom:

Barry O’Hagan has made a notable addition to his backroom team with Stefan Campbell coming in after calling time with Armagh. Derrynoose man Niall Woods has also been added having worked with the county minors en-route to their 2024 All-Ireland final loss to Derry.

One to Watch:

Diarmaid O’Rourke has had an incredible few months for Dromintee and Abbey CBS since coming back from a cruciate injury. Still young at this level, but it will be interesting to see how he deals with the step up in physicality. He coped well last year, but will be expected to take a leading role now.

First game: Down (Wednesday, March 25, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm)

Tyrone and the legacy of ’86

Cavan

Manager:

Chris Conroy

Backroom:

Former Cavan player Chris Conroy has Keelan Melaniff in as coach and Paul Lynch and Ciarán Tierney as selectors. Gerard O’Reilly is looking after the stats and Keith Greene the strength and conditioning.

One to Watch:

Dylan Edwards will bring pace to the Cavan side, whether that’s from midfield or the half-forward line. Was involved in Cavan’s extended senior panel last season under Raymond Galligan and has impressed at Ulster Schools’ level with St Mogue’s College.

First game: Tyrone (Wednesday, March 25, Kingspan Breffni, 7.30pm)

Derry

Manager: Damian McErlain

Backroom:

It’s the same again for the Oakleafers with the backroom team made up of Gavin McGeehan, Antoin Moran, Johnny Kelly, Lawrence O’Kane, Eoin McNicholl, as well as Paddy Kidd.

One to Watch:

James Seargant was absolutely key to Derry winning two All-Ireland Minor titles and he’ll be crucial here as the Oakleafs aim to win the Ulster title. The Lavey man is a brilliant option around the middle.

First game: Monaghan (Wednesday, March 18, Castleblayney, 7.30pm)

Donegal

Manager: Gary Boyle

Backroom:

Boyle will be joined on the sideline again by Shay Murrin and Pauric Harvey who will be acting as coachselectors. Ciaran Sharkey will be looking after the goalkeeping coaching duties for the forthcoming campaign.

One to Watch:

Finnbarr Roarty needs no introduction. Possibly the best defender in the country at this age group, and not too many better at senior level either.

First game: Fermanagh (Wednesday, March 18, The Scarvey, 7.30pm)

Down

Managers: Neil Coulter and Paul McCartan

Backroom:

There’s quite the impressive coaching team in place in the Mourne County with Liam Doyle, Stevie Kane, Brian Laverty and Ryan O’Gorman all involved. This is the third season for the current management team.

One to Watch:

Lorcan Lynch played in the McKenna Cup in Janaury and comes highly rated. The Lynch family have left a massive mark on the Bosco club in Newry and they could have another big name who can operate around the midfield and half-forward area.

First game: Armagh (Wednesday, March 25, Páirc Esler, 7.30pm)

Fermanagh

Manager: Ronan Gallagher

Backroom:

It’s hard to say no to Ronan Gallagher, and he’s filled out his management team well with Aidan McElroy Stephen Jackson, Patrick Treanor and Conor McGovern. Derrygonnelly’s Rory Smyth is captain with Tempo’s Ben Warnock acting as vice-captain.

One to Watch:

Matty McDermott, son of former Fermanagh star Shane, came off the bench as the seniors pushed Down hard in the last round of the league. He scored a point too and is a player management are excited about.

First game: Donegal (Wednesday, March 18, The Scarvey, 7.30pm)

Monaghan

Manager: Paul O’Connor

Backroom:

One name jumps out here, and that is recently-retired Monaghan legend Darren Hughes. O’Connor is a highly-rated manager, so the Scotstown man is sure to learn plenty. Gerry O’Connor is also part of the ticket as is former Farney man Neil McAdam.

One to Watch:

Max Maguire was young player of the year in Monaghan last year, and he’s since added an Ulster title with Scotstown. The country got to witness his exploits on TV in recent months, a fine player.

First game: Derry (Wednesday, March T8, Castleblayney, 7.30pm)

Tyrone

Manager: Paul Devlin

Backroom:

Paul Devlin is back again as the Red Hands aim to become the first side to win this competition three times in a row since Cork in the 1980s, when it was played at u-21 level. Helping him out are Stephen O’Neill, Connor O’Donnell and Cathal McCarron.

One to Watch:

In recent years there’s always been a bit of mystique over which Tyrone senior players will line out at u-20 level, but Eoin McElholm did it successfully last year and if attacker Ruairi McCullagh gets to line out, the holders have a serious talent to call on.

First game: Cavan (Wednesday, March 25, Kingspan Breffni, 7.30pm)