Paddy Tally appointed as new Down Senior Football Manager

Thursday 23rd August 2018

PRESS RELEASE: Paddy Tally appointed as new Down Senior Football Manager

Down GAA County Board have ratified Paddy Tally as the new manager of their Senior Football Team. The Galbally man will take over the reins from Eamonn Burns who stepped down from the position after the county's championship campaign.

Tally returns to the management set up in the Mourne County, having previously served with both Ross Carr and James McCartan, including during the run to the All Ireland Final in 2010.

His most recent assignment was with the Galway Senior Football management during the 2018 league and championship campaign. He also notably led the St Mary's College team to their exceptional Sigerson Cup success in 2017.

Paddy was the trainer with the Tyrone side that won the Ulster and All Ireland breakthrough victory in 1993, and has since developed a reputation as one of the GAA's most innovative coaches.

Paddy Tally's management team will include Benny Coulter, Gavin McGilly and Stephen Beattie.

Benny Coulter is one of Down's most celebrated footballers. He won an All Ireland Minor title in 1999, an Allstar in 2010 and a number of county titles with Mayobridge.

Gavin McGilly was joint manager of the Moy side that won this year's All Ireland Intermediate Club title. He and Stephen Beattie have worked with Paddy Tally at St Mary's and are both former coaches with the Ulster Council.

Down GAA Chairman Sean Rooney welcomed the appointment, stating that "we wish Paddy and his team well, we promise them our full support and we hope that everyone can now work together to herald a new awakening for Down Football".

"Paddy's reputation and record as a coach and manager were important factors in our choice and we are delighted that he is now on board".