Paddy Tally reacts to shock Derry exit as Oak Leafers begin search for new boss
Rumours of the development circulated last night, causing surprise in GAA circles, as Derry ended the season on an upward trajectory and Tally appeared set for a backroom overhaul.
However, although the Galbally man only replaced Mickey Harte in the hot-seat last November after the county board took four months to make an appointment, the county is now on the lookout for a third manager in as many seasons.
Rory Gallagher was linked with a return to Derry last year, while others linked with the post before Tally was appointed were Conleith Gilligan - the former Derry star and current Armagh coach - as well as his former Ballinderry teammate and Cargin boss Ronan Devlin.
'An announcement on a replacement Derry senior football manager will be made in due course,' concluded a statement from Derry GAA that also paid tribute to the work done under Tally.
'Paddy brought integrity and energy to the role along with a deep commitment to the players and the county. His efforts to develop the squad, build a strong team environment, and guide a group of emerging players into senior football are greatly appreciated'.
It was a frustrating stint in charge for Tally, whose team suffered nine defeats as well as being involved in two draws, and Derry were beaten in the Ulster preliminary round by Donegal.
But Derry did show plenty of improvement in a tough All-Ireland round-robin group that included Armagh, Galway and Dublin. They managed to draw with Galway before falling to a two-point defeat to Dublin, which turned out to be Tally's last game in charge.
'I want to thank my management, backroom and medical team and most importantly the players for their commitment and dedication over the past season," said Tally, who previously managed Down and also coached Kerry under Jack O'Connor.
"Thank you to Derry county board and the staff in Owenbeg and Celtic Park for their hospitality and support. I wish the Derry senior footballers the best for the future'.
Derry GAA's chairperson, John Keenan, commented: 'We are grateful to Paddy, his selectors, and the wider backroom team for the time and dedication they have given to Derry football over the 2025 season.
"We also acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families in supporting that work. We wish Paddy the very best for the future and thank him sincerely for his contribution to the county.'
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James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO Donnelly only arrived in 2012, after turning down Mickey Harte's request to join a year before in order to prepare his body better. Harte made his debut in 2010 and immediately took on a leadership role. He has been the freetaker and he has played a great deal of his football in the half-back line. There are few more creative than him in the game. He has played a mind-boggling 222 times for Tyrone; 84 championship, 93 league, and 45 times he hauled himself out to play in the muck and gutters of the Dr McKenna Cup. Only Sean Cavanagh has played more for Tyrone, but Harte has scored 36-285 altogether with 14-119 in championship, making him the record goal scorer for Tyrone. Of those goals, there are some, as they might say in Tyrone, absolute clinkers. Related Reads Tyrone take major step, dominant Donegal, Monaghan's second-half struggles Dessie Farrell steps down as manager of Dublin footballers 'What a goal. 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