New senior manager for Desertmartin

By Michael McMullan

DERRY intermediate side Desertmartin have appointed a new senior football manager ahead of the 2023 season.

Tyrone man Audi Kelly has taken over from Kevin O’Neill who stepped down after a three-year term that yielded back to back junior titles.

Kelly managed Moy to Tyrone, Ulster and All-Ireland intermediate titles and was in charge of Aghagallon last season.

They led Cargin by eight points in the Antrim decider before being reeled back in a heart-breaking defeat.

After securing their top flight status with play-off win over Ballymena, Kelly and his assistant Darnell Parkinson stepped down.

Kelly – who has not finalised his backroom team – takes over a Desertmartin side in intermediate football and who were knocked out by beaten finalists Drumsurn last season.

All-Ireland minor winner Lachlan Murray will be a key part of his plans after breaking onto the inter-county senior scene under Rory Gallagher.

Desertmartin will be up against champions Glenullin, beaten finalists Drumsurn next season.

Claudy and Banagher have dropped down from senior, with the latter now having former Sleacht Néill manager Paul Bradley in charge.

Greenlough, winners in 2015 and 2020, will also be in the mix in a 13-team division next season and have Jude Donnelly in charge.

Donnelly, who led Glen to the 2019 senior final, was trainer under Hugh Mulholland when the ‘Lough won the 2008 intermediate title.