Donegal GAA have been hit with a major blow after it was announced that their academy coaches would be stepping down in support of former colleague Karl Lacey.
Lacey, an All-Ireland winner and 2012 Footballer of the Year with Donegal, left his role as Head of Academy Development last week due to what he felt was a lack of support from the county board.
The Four Masters club man had been in the role for the last two years, looking after players from U14 level and leading what many regarded to be one of the top academy structures in the country.
The Donegal county board has not commented on his departure, but it is clear that all is not well within the county.
Donegal academy coaches leave in support of Karl Lacey
If the loss of Karl Lacey was not a big enough blow, the news that the academy coaches who worked under him were also set to depart is sure to have a major impact within the county.
In a letter released to Donegal News, they announced that they would leave their roles as they had 'lost all confidence in governance of Donegal GAA'.
We regret to inform you that the coaches, performance support and logistics support involved in the Donegal Academy are stepping down from their duties with immediate effect.
Our under 20 and under 17 coaches and management teams will remain in place as they are in season, and the integrity of our competitions must be preserved.
We would all like express our full support for the Head of Academy Development and are extremely disappointed in how he was treated in his role. However our deepest regret lies with the approx. 350 young Donegal players which are currently at standstill, who we coached and bonded with over the past 18 months and indeed their parents/guardians who were equally as committed.
However, the coaches, performance support and logistics support feel that the development vision and pathway for Donegal is not aligned with or supported by the leadership within the county. As a group, we have lost all confidence in governance of Donegal GAA.
As the above statement points out, this move leaves around 350 young players in limbo as they are left without coaches at academy level.
It remains to be seen how the Donegal county board will react, although it is clear that major changes will have to be made at numerous levels if they are to get back onside with those who contribute so much to the development of young players within the county.
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