By Niall McCoy

Tony McEntee has joined the Down management team for the 2026 season, Gaelic Life understands.

Per source, the Crossmaglen man replaces the outgoing Ciarán Meenagh who has taken over at Derry and will be viewed as a real statement of intent by Mourne boss Conor Laverty.

McEntee was in charge of Connacht side Sligo but stepped down after their Tailteann Cup quarter-final loss to Fermanagh.

He previously guided Crossmaglen to back-to-back All-Ireland titles alongside Gareth O’Neill and has been involved with Mayo also in the past.

It is believed McEntee had pursued the vacant Mayo position but Andy Moran eventually took over after Kevin McStay’s exit.

Former League of Ireland footballer Steve Williams has also joined the Mourne management as goalkeeping coach. Loup native Thomas Mallon is set to form part of Meenagh’s backroom team in the Oakleaf County.