Managerial re-shuffling
THE annual managerial re-shuffling shows little sign of abating with a number of clubs bringing in a fresh voice to their 2016 changing rooms.
Trillick's Liam Donnelly (pictured) has been named as the new manager of Ballinascreen. Donnelly has a wealth of experience including spells with Tyrone minor and U21 teams.
Last year he steered Edendork to the Tyrone Intermediate title and in 2001 he was joint manager as Tyrone won the minor All-Ireland after a replay win over Dublin.
Elsewhere Armagh man Brendan Hughes takes over from Kevin Madden at Dungiven.
They say ‘never go back’ but Liam Bradley has followed Martin McKindless’s cue and done just that by returning to the hotseat at his own club. The ‘Baker’ replaces Basil Rafferty at Glenullin as they look to make their stay in Division Two a brief one. Bradley was last in charge of the Mitchel’s when they lifted the John McLaughlin Cup in 2007. Since then he has been well-travelled, having coached at Antrim, Claudy, Banagher and Malin.
Despite Glenullin’s relegation last year, it is believed that the club, in an unprecedented move, has applied to play in the 2016 senior football championship.
Elsewhere, Limavady have appointed Mickey Boyle as their new manager. Ballinascreen man Boyle appears to be a shrewd choice as the Wolfhounds, like Glenullin, look to bounce straight back up after relegation. A highly respected coach and player, Boyle took St Paul’s Kilrea to an All Ireland Vocational School’s title in 2009 and could be the man bring the better times back to a club that suffered a disappointing 2015.
Former Limavady manager Declan Toner will also be back on the sidelines this year as he takes up his post in charge of near-by Drumsurn. Toner has chalked up a wealth of experience having been involved with county underage squads and college football. Toner replaces Drumsurn legend Richard Ferris who steadied the ship last season after a few years in Division two’s choppy water.
Despite much speculation, Joe Cassidy looks set to stay as Intermediate champions Greenlough return to Division One.
Foreglen welcome Paul Conway and Paddy McGuckin as their new management team for 2016.
Junior finalists Drum will be delighted that joint managers Jason Hazlett and Kieran O’Kane are both on board as the club looks to build on the sterling work that both men have produced at St Colm’s so far.
Sean McGoldrick is still very much the man to lead Eoghan Rua into the new season as they look to go step further than 2015 when they narrowly lost the county final. Micky Moran remains at county champions Slaughtneil as does Eugene Young at Moneymore.
Eoghan Carlin returns for Doire Trasna as the Waterside club look to build on the solid foundations erected over the last few years in the Intermediates, while Jimmy McElhennon takes Desertmartin once again.
Darren McShane is back for a second season at St Aidan’s, Magilligan while the two Marks – McCosker and McCleary – will look forward to leading Sean Dolans out on their new pitch this season.
Already confirmed new faces for the incoming season include Paddy Downey at Banagher, Ronan Rocks at Ballerin and Enda Gormley at Glen.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.