Ciarán Meenagh has been confirmed as Derry's new manager as he makes his return having acted as interim manager previously.
The Tyrone native took over in 2023 and took Derry to Ulster glory after Rory Gallagher stepped away following serious allegations regarding his private life.
He replaces the outgoing Paddy Tally, who spent one season in charge of the Ulster side, having informed Down boss Conor Laverty earlier this week that he was departing.
Meenagh’s backroom team will include Chrissy McKaigue.
Following tonight's meeting of Coiste Chontae Dhoire, Derry GAA has confirmed all management teams for 2026.
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) July 24, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/pjRuc9HuiH pic.twitter.com/ozWl3ghhvN
Derry recorded no competitive wins in 2025, mustering just one point from their seven Division 1 games and so will start next season back in the second tier for the first time since 2022.
The championship saw them lose to Donegal in their Ulster preliminary clash. Performances did pick up in the All-Ireland series and the side were close to getting a morale-boosting win in their meeting with Galway at Celtic Park. The point earned there still left them in contention to progress but Dublin edged the Oak Leafers by two points in the concluding fixture in Derry.
