Management changes in the Red Hand county

MOST of the top teams in Tyrone are keeping faith with their current management set-ups, but there have still been some significant changes ahead the of the 2020 season.

Errigal Ciaran, who have lost two of the last three Tyrone championships, have parted ways with Pascal Canavan and co, and in their stead arrives former Derry player Johnny McBride.

In more recent times, McBride was one of the contenders who withdrew his name from the process when it emerged that Rory Gallagher was the preferred candidate for the Derry job, and he’s had stints in charge of Galbally and his native club Loup.

Elsewhere, Armagh legend Steven McDonnell has been handed the reins at Clonoe. He formely managed the Armagh Under-21 side before taking charge of his native Killeavy, and it’s hoped that such a high-profile appointment will spark new life into the O’Rahilly’s.

Damian Barton – another non-Tyrone man – has left the Edendork set-up after two eventful years in charge. They were relegated by Eglish last month, and it was confirmed earlier in the week that Lorcan Martin, who was Tyrone U21’s strength and conditioning coach in their All-Ireland winning year in 2015, as been apponited as new manager.

Trillick are set to stick with Nigel Seaney and Liam Donnelly, and no wonder given they led the team to the O’Neill Cup this year, while Dromore have given the go ahead for Collie McCullagh to have a second year in charge.

There’s big news at the Moy, while as one of Tyrone’s most legendary figures, Sean Cavanagh, has been appointed as player-manager of his native club for 2020.

There’s set to be a homegrown manager at Stewartstown as well as Feargal Logan has taken the reins, replacing former Derry player Gary Coleman.

Carl McCabe will manage Omagh St Enda’s for a second year. The St Gall’s man had a difficult enough first season at the helm of the 2017 Tyrone Champions with a number of players out of the country at present.

It’s understood that Damian O’Hagan, who memorably led Na Fianna to their 10th O’Neill Cup last season, will be back on the line next season, and Carrickmore’s Ryan Daly will be hoping for even better after a decent championship campaign.

Carmen reached the semi-final, where they battled hard but were beaten by their rivals Errigal Ciaran, but will be hoping to do a bit better in Division One. It’s also yet to be confirmed who will manage Dungannon next year. The Clarkes did so well in their first year back in the top-flight, and have a surplus of talented young players in their ranks.

It’s the end of an era, meanwhile, at Tattyreagh. Stephen McHugh and Stephen Ferguson, who led the club through an unprecedented period of success, have parted ways after four memorable years, and they’ve been snapped up already by Moortown.

Meanwhile, it’d be remiss not to mention Tyrone legend Stephen O’Neill, who has been appointed as boss of Derry club Dungiven.

O’Neill was involved as Tyrone’s forwards’ coach in the last two seasons but stepped away shortly after their All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kerry.

He’s brought with him Noel Slane, who was in charge of O’Neill’s club Clann na nGael this year.