High-profile Offaly appointment as Mickey Harte to co-manage footballers

One of the best-known figures in gaelic football management is taking up a role with Offaly.

The news broke this evening (Monday), that Mickey Harte had been recommended by Offaly's football management review committee to co-manage the senior team, along with current manager Declan Kelly, for a three-year period.

In a statement, Offaly GAA chairperson Michael Duignan said: "I am delighted that Mickey Harte has come on board with Declan as joint manager of the Offaly senior football team.

"His genuine interest in Offaly GAA and his wealth of experience is what I feel Offaly football needs right now.

"On behalf of the Offaly County Board, I want to welcome Mickey to the county and I hope all Offaly GAA gaels will come out and show their support to Declan, Mickey and the footballers for the coming year".

The recommendation that Kelly and Harte co-manage the senior team has been endorsed by Offaly GAA Management Committee and is to be approved at the next County Board meeting.

Speaking of his appointment Mickey Harte said: "I am really looking forward to working with Declan and the players over the next three years.

"I am very aware of the history and tradition of Offaly football and believe that there is huge potential within the county.

"I am very excited to work with Declan and the players to get the best out of the footballers in both the League and Championship in 2025. I would like to thank Michael Duignan for his professionalism and honesty during our meetings."

Current manager Declan Kelly also gave his reaction to the appointment.

"This is great news for Offaly football and Offaly GAA in general," he said.

"I look forward to working closely with Mickey. He has had huge success over the years and we hope to emulate that in the not-too-distant future."

Mickey Harte has managed his native Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles, six Ulster titles, one National League and twelve Dr McKenna Cups. He has also managed Louth, and was in charge of the Derry footballers who reached the All Ireland quarter final stage this year.

The remainder of the Offaly football management and backroom team is to be finalised over the coming weeks.