By Niall Gartland
IT’S the time of year when a picture begins to emerge of the management scene for the upcoming season, though some of the major players in Tyrone club football are yet to confirm who’ll be in charge in 2022.
Big news that emerged this week is that Brian McGuckin has stepped down as Coalisland boss, just over a month after they played in the senior county final.
Tyrone Senior County kingpins Dromore are searching for a successor for Colm McCullagh, who stepped down a fortnight ago after guiding the time to O’Neill Cup glory for the fourth time in their history.
Killyclogher are also on the look out for a new manager after Mark Henry recently departed after two years in charge. They haven’t been afraid to look outside the club in years gone by, but it’s understood that it could be an in-house appointment on this occasion.
Clonoe O’Rahilly’s have gone in house with the appointment of Niall O’Neill and Kieran Hughes, replacing Armagh legend Stevie O’Donnell, who departs after two years at the helm.
Carrickmore duo Ryan Daly and Noel Hurson are presently basking in the afterglow of their Division One league success, while we await official word from Trillick as to whether the reputable Nigel Seaney will decide to give it another lash.
2020 champions Dungannon Clarkes have reappointed Christopher Rafferty, while it is anticipated that Larry Strain will remain in charge of Omagh St Enda’s. Mickey Donnelly, meanwhile, is staying at Ardboe.
Loughmacrory had an excellent league campaign and have kept faith with Martin McConnell, while the Moy – another team who fared well in Division One – have appointed Antrim man Kevin Murray as manager for the 2022 season. He will be assisted by trainer Philip Muldoon. Greencastle man Barry Tracey had a good campaign in charge of Donaghmore and will be back again next year.
Elsewhere, former Tyrone assistant Gavin Devlin will take the ropes at Pomeroy, who were relegated from the top flight. Newly promoted Greencastle, meanwhile, have unsurprisingly decided to stick with Sean Teague and his management team.
Gerard Donnelly, who led Eskra to the Division Three title, has stepped down from the role, while Beragh boss Ryan McCluskey is taking on a new coaching role with the Fermanagh senior team and has left the Red Knights after securing their Intermediate status.
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