Process to appoint next Derry manager ongoing

By Michael McMullan

THE process to appoint the next Derry senior football manager is still “currently ongoing”.

Two of the men linked to the vacant post have been officially ruled out this week, leaving the Oakleafers still searching for their next boss.

As reported by Gaelic Life, Ciarán Meenagh took himself out of consideration for becoming the next manager on Monday evening.

Meenagh, a selector under Rory Gallagher, took on the role as manager when Gallagher stepped down after Derry’s Ulster final win over Armagh earlier this season.

Gallagher faced accusations of domestic abuse in a social media post by his estranged wife days before the game and “stepped back” on the eve of the final before resigning days later.

Meenagh, who was also part of Damian McErlain’s management team in 2019, agreed to remain in charge for the remainder of the season.

Derry topped their group before eventually coming up short in the All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry.

Meenagh is currently the manager of his club Loughmacrory who step into the championship arena next week against Trillick.

Gaelic Life sources confirmed that Meenagh doesn’t wish to be considered for the vacant Derry manager position.

There had been speculation in circles around the county of a return to the fold for Rory Gallagher, but a Derry spokesperson confirmed to The Irish News, on Tuesday night, that the county “completely ruled out” a Gallagher return.

Derry GAA told Gaelic Life the process is “currently ongoing” to appoint the next senior football manager.

Derry will begin 2024 back in Division One of the NFL and will set out to defend their Ulster title for a second successive year.