Derry set to appoint Paddy Tally as their new senior football manager

By Michael McMullan

DERRY will put Paddy Tally forward to clubs for ratification as their new senior football manager on Thursday night at Owenbeg, Gaelic Life can confirm.

It ends months of speculation after Mickey Harte stepped down from the post.

Tally was part of the Tyrone panel beaten in 1995 All-Ireland final and coached Tyrone to their first All-Ireland title under Harte in 2003.

He was part of James McCartan’s management when Down lost the 2010 All-Ireland final before going on to manage the Mourne County.

Tally was previously involved in the Oakleaf County under Brian McIver during his term as manager.

More recently, the Galbally man coached Kerry to Sam Maguire under Jack O’Connor and had been named as the team’s Performance Coach for 2025.

Tally’s management team with Derry is still being finalised.

Harte stepped down as manager in early July after one season in charge that delivered the NFL title.

The Oakleafers open the defence of their league title against Tyrone in January and have been drawn to face champions Donegal in the opening game of the Ulster Senior Championship.

The 2025 will be a season with a difference after the GAA pressed pause on tishe provincial pre-season competitions.

There is also the chance of rule changes after the FRC trials. Any new changes will have a first competitive outing on the opening day of the National League.

The other county management positions – listed below – will be put forward for fatification by clubs.

Damian McErlain will be put forward as Derry’s new u-20 football manager after two successful seasons at minor level.

McErlain’s backroom team is as it was at the minor level grade with Gavin McGeehan, Antoin Moran, Johnny Kelly and Lawrence O’Kane on board.

The minor vacancy is set to be filled by Kieran Glackin who will have former All-Ireland minor winner Mark Lynch as part of his management team.

Lynch is the assistant manager with Connor Monaghan, Brian Óg McAlary, Dermot Brady and Fionntan O’Dowd involved as coaches.

Johnny McGarvey will remain as the Derry senior hurling manager with Ryan O’Neill at the helm with the u-20s.

McGarvey has added Gavan Duffy to his backroom team from last season, joining Conor Murray, Gareth O’Kane, Terry Gray and Oisin Quinn.

O’Neill will have former Derry players John O’Dwyer and Kieran Stevenson in his u-20 management team.

There will also be continuity at minor level with Danny McGrellis remaining in charge.

McGrellis will be assisted by Chrissy Henry, Darrell McDermott, Eoghan McGrellis and Marie O’Neill.