Raymond Galligan set to be appointed as new Cavan manager

Raymond Galligan is set to be the next Cavan manager after being recommended for a three-year term by the Breffni County's management committee.

Galligan, who captained the Breffni County to their 2020 Ulster title, will go forward as manager rather than player-manager, with his success in applying for the role effectively ending his inter-county career.

His backroom team will include former Meath All-Ireland ladies winning manager Eamonn Murray, three-time Tyrone All-Star Stevie O’Neill and former Cavan player Ronan Flanagan. Ratification is set for the next county committee meeting.

The talented goalkeeper, who plays in attack for his club side Lacken, won an All-Star for his exploits three years ago as Cavan claimed their first provincial title in 1997 under the guidance of Mickey Graham, who stepped down in July.

Galligan was one of three candidates interviewed for the position alongside former Breffni goal-scoring legend Jason O’Reilly, current manager of Cavan Gaels, and Down 2010 All-Star Danny Hughes who is player-manager with his native Saval this term.

Former Clare boss Michael McDermott had been nominated for the position but he withdrew his name shortly before the interview process.

Graham stepped down from his role as Cavan manager in July after almost five years at the helm.

Graham, who led Cavan to an Ulster title in 2020 and a Tailteann Cup final appearance last season, was in the middle of a two-year extension to his tenure.

The Cavan Gaels clubman had earlier cut his managerial teeth with the county's minors and enjoyed considerable success with Longford club Mullinalaghta, who he guided to a Leinster title in 2018.

On the hurling front, Tyrone are close to confirming Michael McShane’s successor though as An