Breaking Mickey Harte set to join Derry after quitting Louth post

Mickey Harte has stood down from his role as manager of Louth's footballers and is poised to take succeed Ciarán Meenagh as Derry boss.

The legendary Tyrone manager spent three seasons with the Wee County, guiding the county to back-to-back promotions which took them to Division 2, where they finished third last season. Louth also finished as beaten finalists in the Leinster SFC this season.

Louth assistant manager Gavin Devlin has also departed the Louth set-up and is expected to join Harte as he returns to inter-county football in Ulster.

Louth GAA confirmed the departures on Facebook, with a post which read: "Following a meeting of the Louth GAA management committee tonight (Monday, 18 September), chairperson Peter Fitzpatrick informed members of the committee that senior team manager Micky Harte informed him that he and senior team coach Gavin Devlin will be standing down from their role's with Louth GAA with immediate effect, and taking over with Derry senior footballers.

"Louth GAA management committee would like to sincerely thank Mickey, Gavin and his backroom team for their efforts in propelling Louth senior footballers into Div 2 football from Div 4 in 2020.

"They have shown professionalism, enthusiasm, dedication and continued courtesy over the last three years and we have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Mickey and his management team which concluded in the group stages of the All-Ireland following a first Leinster final appearance since 2010.

"Louth GAA would like to wish Mickey, Gavin and his management team all the best in their future endeavours.

"We will now immediately begin the process in seeking a new senior football team manager."