DOWN club Kilcoo have denied reports that former Derry and Fermanagh boss Rory Gallagher will be their next manager.
Reports on social media suggested that Gallagher would take over from Karl Lacey as manager of the 2022 All-Ireland club champions.
After defending their county title last year, the ‘Magpies’ reached the Ulster final but lost a thriller against Tyrone’s Errigal Ciaran.
Since then Donegal native Lacey stepped down and Gallagher has been linked with stepping into the breach.
Kilcoo have confirmed that will not be the case.
After serving as assistant manager to Jim McGuinness with Donegal for the All-Ireland success of 2012, Gallagher took over as Donegal manager in 2014 before a spell as manager of his native Fermanagh between 2017 and 2019, when the Ernemen reached the Ulster final only to lose to Donegal.
Gallagher guided Derry to an Ulster title in 2022. Allegations of domestic abuse brought by his ex-wife - which he strenuously denies - led to Gallagher stepping down as manager of Derry in 2023 days before the Ulster final against Armagh.
Since then the highly-rated coach has worked with Monaghan club Corduff and had been poised to take up a coaching role with Naas. However, GAA President Jarlath Burns sent the club an email urging them to reconsider and the Kildare outfit decided against making the appointment.
