Tom McLean is the new manager of the Derry senior hurling team.
He was chosen to succeed Ger Rogan, who vacated the position last month, at a meeting of Coiste Contae Dhoire at Owenbeg last night.
Speaking after his appointment, McLean called for the “full support” from all the county’s clubs, players and supporters to help fulfil the potential of Derry hurling.
He said: “I would like to thank Derry GAA for giving me the opportunity to manage the senior hurling team, and I look forward to the challenge with great enthusiasm.
“I have been part of the Derry hurling setup for the past three years in a coaching capacity, and have a lot of respect for a great group of young men and really enjoy working with them.
“I would ask for full support from all Derry clubs, players and supporters to help us to fulfil the potential in Derry hurling.
Confirming Sean McGuckin would remain as assistant manager, he said he hoped to “freshen thins up” by bringing new faces to both the management team and the panel.
He said: “I would like to thank Derry GAA for giving me the opportunity to manage the senior hurling team, and I look forward to the challenge with great enthusiasm.
“I have been part of the Derry hurling setup for the past three years in a coaching capacity, and have a lot of respect for a great group of young men and really enjoy working with them.
“Finally, I wish the four teams in the semi-finals of the senior championship the very best of luck and look forward to top class games of hurling.”
John Keenan, Derry GAA chairperson, said “on behalf of all Derry clubs,” wished the new manager, his management team and the players “best of luck” for the season ahead.
He added: “We are delighted to have Tom on board. Tom is an experienced coach and manager who brings a wealth of experience to the position.”
McLean had been the choice of his predecessor Rogan who described him as “top class.”
McLean served Rogan as assistant and the Antrim native reckons his former right-hand man is the ideal candidate to assume the Oak Leaf reins going forward.
Speaking ahead of the appointment, Rogan said: “I don’t think you’re going to get a better man than Tom.”
“If Tom decides that he wants to run, I think Derry would be very fortunate to have him.
“He’s one of the best guys I ever worked with in hurling. We worked together with Derry and Antrim and he’s top class.
“He’s a great guy with the players. He’s ultra-professional in what he does: his organisation, everything.
“If Tom decides to run, that would be fantastic. Derry are in a good place and Tom would be the man to drive it on.”
Managerial positions also ratified at last night’s meeting were:
Brian McIver (Swatragh) – senior football
Sean McGuckin (Swatragh) – under-21 hurling
Paul McIver (Ballinderry) – under-21 football
Stephen O’Kane (Swatragh) – minor hurling
Damian McErlain (Magherafelt) – minor football
The County Committee wishes all management and playing teams best of luck for the 2015 inter-county season.
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