GAA world in shock as Mickey Harte set to become Derry manager

Nobody saw this coming.

The GAA world is in shock as it has just been revealed that Mickey Harte has left his position at Louth, and is reportedly set to become the new manager of Derry. 

The current Derry job is vacant after Rory Gallagher had to step down last summer amid allegations of domestic abuse, and although Ciaran Meenagh stepped in as interim manager, the Tyrone man confirmed last week that he would not be taking the role on a permanent basis. 

It was widely speculated that Malachy O’Rourke was in line to take the job, as he had done such an impressive job with Derry side Watty Graham’s Glen, and had previously guided Monaghan to two Ulster titles.

However, in a left field move that nobody saw coming, it was confirmed this evening that Harte has left his position as manager of Louth in this statement released by the Wee County:

“Following a meeting of the Louth GAA Management Committee tonight (Monday 18th September) Chairperson Peter Fitzpatrick informed members of the committee that Senior Team Manager Micky Harte informed him that he and Senior Team Coach Gavin Devlin will be standing down from their role’s with Louth GAA with immediate effect, and taking over with Derry Senior Footballers.

BREAKING: Micky Harte and Gavin Devlin will be standing down from their role's with Louth GAA with immediate effect, and taking over with Derry Senior Footballers.

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— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) September 18, 2023

“Louth GAA Management Committee would like to sincerely thank Mickey, Gavin and his backroom team for their efforts in propelling Louth Senior Footballers into Div. 2 football from Div. 4 in 2020.

“They have shown professionalism, enthusiasm, dedication and continued courtesy over the last three years and we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Mickey and his Management Team which concluded in the group stages of the All-Ireland following a first Leinster Final Appearance since 2010.

“Louth GAA would like to wish Mickey, Gavin and his Management Team all the best in their future endeavours.

“We will now immediately begin the process of seeking a New Senior Football Team Manager.”

It has been widely reported that the former Tyrone boss, who guided the Red Hands to three All-Ireland titles, will take the job in his neighbouring county, and be announced as the new Oak Leaf gaffer very soon, as Derry GAA will hold a meeting of its county committee on Tuesday evening, in which Harte will be proposed to become the new man at the helm.