PAUL Devlin has stepped down from his role with Down and Ulster champions Kilcoo after two seasons in Mickey Moran’s successful ‘Magpies’ management team.
Derry native Devlin says “family reasons” are behind his decision to walk away from the club that emphatically defended their county title in the 2020 season by beating Warrenpoint in a one-sided final.
The Ballinascreen clubman formed a three-man management team along with Moran and Conleith Gilligan which helped Kilcoo regain Down’s Frank Murphy Cup last year and then drove the club on to a first-ever Ulster title and an appearance in the All-Ireland final in which their hopes were dashed by the experience of Galway and Connacht champions Corofin who won an attritional battle after extra-time.
Devlin said he “enjoyed every minute” of his time working with Moran and the committed group of players at Kilcoo.
“I’m leaving my role as coach/selector with Kilcoo due to family reasons,” said the highly-rated former Derry development squad coach.
“It was an honour and privilege to have worked with Mickey Moran and the exceptionally talented and committed Kilcoo players over the last two years. I’m indebted to Mickey and those players for the opportunity and also to everyone associated with the Kilcoo club for making me feel so welcome. I wish Mickey, Conleith and the players the best of luck for 2021.”
Meanwhile, former Tyrone full-forward and Cavan senior manager Mattie McGleenan has been confirmed as the new manager of his native Eglish.
A Monaghan senior championship winner during his time in charge of Scotstown, McGleenan took the reins at Carrickmacross last year but now returns to his roots.
The St Patrick’s club also recently welcomed home Conor McKenna after he retired from Aussie Rules with Essendon to concentrate on Gaelic Football. After returning home, McKenna was immediately drafted in to Mickey Harte’s Red Hand side and hit the ground running with goals against Donegal and Mayo.
