The increased demands on intercounty managers have led to another hectic off-season of activity. At least 11 counties will enter the 2025 season with new football managers at the helm -- Tyrone, Monaghan, Derry, Kildare, Longford, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Leitrim, Carlow and New York. In the top two hurling tiers we will have new managers in Antrim, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Waterford and Westmeath.
Fermanagh native Malachy O’Rourke was named as Tyrone senior football manager this week to replace Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan, who stepped down in late August after four seasons as joint-bosses.
O’Rourke was put forward for the post by his adopted club Errigal Ciarán and it is understood that there were no other candidates, O’Rourke has lived in Ballygalwey since the 1990s, and has been in great demand in recent seasons with his name linked to any major vacant county football post but it is Tyrone who has secured his services this time.
"I was delighted when they [Errigal Ciaran] asked me would I let my name go forward," O'Rourke told Tyrone GAA's You Tube channel. "It's a massive challenge, I'm going in with my eyes wide open. It's a big county and there's a lot of expectation. I know there's going to be an awful lot of work and I'm sure the players know that as well."
It's five years since O’Rourke last operated at county level having overseen one of the best spells in Monaghan history as the Farney men became a consistent force in Division One of the National League, as well as winning Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015. The 57-year-old has also guided his native Fermanagh to an Ulster final appearance in 2008, and led Glen to the 2023-24 All Ireland Senior Club Football Championship in January.
Meanwhile former Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has wasted no time in getting familiar with the players who will be available to him in his new role as Offaly manager. Last week Mickey was pictured watching a championship game in Offaly between Rhode and Tullamore.
