Ulster’s hurling managers for 2025

Shaun Casey takes a look at who will be managing intercounty hurling teams across the province in 2025:

Antrim – Davy Fitzgerald

THE new Antrim boss needs no introduction to the hurling scene and it’s going to be exciting to see what the former Clare goalkeeper can do with the Saffrons in 2025. They are battling it out at the top tier at present, although Fitzgerald, who has a tremendous track record of success with various different counties, will be without the retired Conor McCann and injured Conal Cunning for the start of his journey.

Armagh – Karl McKeegan

THE Cushendall native is back for a third season in charge of the Orchard County, and they will once again compete in Division Three and the Nickey Rackard Cup. Armagh seem to be in a transition phase at the moment and a few fresh faces could be introduced this year so holding their position in both of those competitions, which they did successfully in 2024, will be the main aim for 2025.

Cavan – Ollie Bellew

CAVAN were on the cusp of winning silverware last season, but just came up short and boss Ollie Bellew is back to try and get his side over the line. They lost the Division 3A league semi-final to Sligo and finished third in the Nickey Rackard Cup table behind Longford (who they finished behind via head-to-head ruling) and eventual winners Fermanagh. The Breffni boys will be eager to push on this year and go one step further in 2025.

Derry – Johnny McGarvey

THE Division 2B league champions will hope to make their mark in Division Two under Johnny McGarvey, who remains in the hotseat. The Oakleafers suffered relegation to Division 2B in 2023 but bounced back at the first time of asking. Their defeat in last year’s Christy Ring Cup final to Kildare will only whet the appetite for success and McGarvey’s men will hope to check that off the to-do list in the new year.

Donegal – Michael McCann

MICHAEL McCann is back for an eighth season in Donegal, making his the longest serving inter-county hurling manager in the province. Donegal will compete in Division Two this season and that’s where they will want to stay. They did however claim silverware in the mould of the Nickey Rackard Cup, becoming the first county to win it four times, and will compete for the Christy Ring in 2025.

Down – Ronan Sheehan

THE Mourne County has made real progress over the last number of years under Ronan Sheehan’s stewardship and the Cork native is back in charge for another season. Reaching Division One hurling is the ultimate goal for this Down team and they will be one of the top contenders in Division Two. Down struggled in the Joe McDonagh Cup last season and will be keen to push on in that competition in 2025.

Fermanagh – Joe Baldwin

OF Fermanagh’s 10 games between league and championship in 2024, they lost just one of them as Joe Baldwin’s men captured the Division 3B league title along with the Lory Meagher Cup. With the change in structures of the league, Fermanagh will compete in Division Four when the campaign gets underway but will look forward to battling it out in the Nickey Rackard Cup.

Monaghan – Arthur Hughes

AFTER the success of 2023, last season was a really tough one for Monaghan and Arthur Hughes will hope to put that right this year. They were relegated to Division Four and the Nickey Rackard Cup but will target an immediate bounce back and Hughes will hope to deliver a second Lory Meagher Cup title in as many years, following their first ever All-Ireland success two years ago.

Tyrone –Stephen McGarry

STEPHEN McGarry will once again lead the line for the Red Hand County as they compete in Division Two of the league and the Christy Ring Cup. Holding their position in the league will be one of the main objectives and McGarry will also aim to take his side a step further in the Christy Ring Cup competition having finished fourth last season, winning two of their five outings.