Rory Gallagher confirmed as new Donegal manager

Former selector takes over from Jim McGuinness for three-year term

Rory Gallagher has taken over from Jim McGuinness as Donegal football manager. The Fermanagh native will take charge on a three-year term, with an option on a fourth year. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho

Rory Gallagher has been confirmed as the new Donegal manager following a meeting of club delegates in the county on Friday night. The 36-year-old from Enniskillen takes over from Jim McGuinness and has been appointed on a three-year term with an option for a fourth.

Gallagher worked as McGuinness’s number two with the 2012 All-Ireland- winning side, but left when McGuinness changed his backroom team at the end of the 2013 championship season.

The Donegal County Board moved the announcement forward from Monday night so Gallagher would be in charge ahead of Sunday’s SFC Final between Glenswilly and St Eunans in Ballybofey. Gallagher, who addressed the meeting of club delegates, has yet to reveal his backroom team.

Donegal announced Gallagher’s appointment in a brief statement on their official website.

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It read: “GAA Club Delegates tonight ratified Rory Gallagher as Donegal Senior Football manager. Rory Gallagher brings experience and knowledge of the squad as a former selector of the 2012 All-Ireland winning team. Rory is appointed for a 3 year term with the option for a forth year available.

“Donegal GAA look forward to working with Rory and his backroom team and aim to keep Donegal competing at the top level.

“Donegal GAA would like to thank Michael McGeehan, Gary Walsh, Liam Ward, P.J. McGowan, Joseph McKelvey for the assistance they gave as members of the different selection committees.”

Donegal also confirmed that under-21 football manager Marcus Curran and minor football boss Declan Bonner will both continue in their posts for another year.