Meenagh rules himself out of Derry manager position

By Michael McMullan

CIARÁN Meenagh won’t be the next Derry senior manager after ruling himself out of the running, Gaelic Life can confirm.

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.

Sources confirmed on Monday afternoon that Meenagh doesn’t wish to be considered for the vacant Derry senior manager position.

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

A spokesperson for Derry GAA told Gaelic Life the process is “currently ongoing” to appoint the next senior football manager ahead of the new season.