By Michael McMullan

RORY Kavanagh will remain at helm as St Eunan’s begin their defence of the Dr Maguire Cup.

The former Donegal star led his native club to championship glory in his first season as manager.

Last year’s Intermediate champions Cloughaneely have also kept faith in Michael Lynch to lead them into senior football after he was ratified on Tuesday for a sixth season in charge.

Many of the clubs challenging St Eunan’s for their crown will all have new men at the helm.

Gaoth Dobhair, Ulster champions in 2018, have set Friday as the deadline for applications for a new manager to replace the outgoing duo – Joe Duffy and Kevin Cassidy – who stepped down from the post after last season.

Kilcar won their last title in 2017 and process is ongoing to find a replacement for John McNulty who took over from Barry Doherty at the start of the 2020 season.

Naomh Conaill are also in the process of finding a successor for Martin Regan who stepped down as manager.

One of Regan’s management team, Derry man Michael McLaughlin, has joined Bellaghy under Damian Cassidy who was appointed to take charge of the Tones.

Former Donegal player Andrew Gallagher has taken charge of his native St Naul’s and Pauric Bonner, a native of Dungloe, is back for a third season in Glenswilly where he now lives.

Kevin Sinclair is the new manager of Four Masters and will be assisted by his brother John.

Bundoran, Killybegs and Seán MacCumhaills are also searching for a new management ahead of the new season, after the exits of Cathal Corey, John Cunningham and Paul Rouse respectively.