By Michael McMullan

SLEACHT Néill are set to appoint Austin O’Malley as their new senior football manager, Gaelic Life understands.

The former Mayo and Wicklow player steered Cuala to their first ever Dublin senior title in 2024 before adding Leinster and All-Ireland glory.

O’Malley stepped down after three seasons that culminated their capture of club football’s biggest prize.

As a player, he won a Dublin Championship with UCD, played with St Vincent’s in the city and St Patrick’s in Wicklow before returning to his native Louisburg where he won Mayo and Connacht Junior medals.

O’Malley takes over from Mark Doran who was in charge at Emmet Park for three seasons.

The Emmet’s, six-time Derry champions, last lifted the John McLaughlin Cup in 2020.

They were pipped by Newbridge in a controversial ending to their Derry semi-final last season.

On the hurling front, Paul McCormack will return for a third season as the club’s senior manager.

The Emmet’s have been Derry champions for the last 13 seasons and won the last to Ulster titles.

They were beaten by Sarsfields and Loughrea in the last two seasons.