Ciarán Meenagh appointed Derry senior manager on permanent basis

APPOINTMENT: Former Derry interim manager Ciarán Meenagh has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis for 2026. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Former Derry interim manager Ciarán Meenagh has been appointed to the position on a permanent basis for 2026.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner last week, the Tyrone native, who has assisted Down the last couple of seasons, is set to be joined by former Derry defender Chrissy McKaigue for the new season.

Meenagh replaces Paddy Tally who was at the helm for this past year having taken over from fellow Tyrone man Mickey Harte.

In a statement from Derry GAA on Thursday night confirmed: “Following Thursday night’s meeting of Coiste Chontae Dhoire, Derry GAA is pleased to announce the appointment of Ciarán Meenagh as senior football manager.

“Ciarán Meenagh first joined the Derry senior football management team in late 2018 and served for five seasons as a coach and later as manager – a period that included promotion from Division 4 to Division 1 and back-to-back Ulster Senior Football titles.

“He will lead a management team that includes former Derry captain and All Star footballer Chrissy McKaigue.”