Louth GAA appoint All-Ireland winning Tyrone star as part of new coaching ticket

Louth GAA boss Gavin Devlin has strengthened his backroom team with a player he coached to the 2018 All-Ireland Final

Gavin Devlin has moved to strengthen his Louth GAA backroom team with additional coaching expertise.

Devlin has enlisted a fellow county man to enhance his coaching staff, with 2021 All-Ireland winner Ronan O’Neill joining his Wee County setup.

O’Neill has recently concluded his coaching role with Fermanagh following Kieran Donnelly’s departure as manager.

The Omagh St. Enda’s player was amongst several who departed the Tyrone squad following the 2021 All-Ireland Final and never represented the county thereafter, reports the Irish Mirror.

Whilst he didn’t participate in the 2021 victory against Mayo, he did appear as a substitute during the final 10 minutes of the 2018 All-Ireland Final defeat to Dublin, with Devlin serving as coach under Mickey Harte.

O’Neill secured two Tyrone Championships with his club, netting the decisive goal in the 2014 final that ended a 26-year drought since their previous senior title.

He represents one of numerous Tyrone coaches and managers currently operating at senior inter-county level.

Others amongst this group include Gavin Devlin (Louth manager), Mickey Harte (Offaly joint manager), Ciaran Meenagh (Derry manager), Paddy Tally (Mayo coach) and John McElholm (Monaghan coach).

Louth GAA announced the appointment in a statement, expressing their anticipation of “the valuable experience and expertise” O’Neill will bring to the arrangement.

Devlin assumed control several weeks ago from Ger Brennan, who has subsequently been named Dublin manager.