There was some big news out of Derry this afternoon, with it being announced that Mickey Harte has stepped down from his role as manager after just one season in charge.
His tenure with the county began in an incredibly promising manner, leading them to the Division 1 title. Many installed the Ulster side as All-Ireland favourites prior to this summer's championship, although they failed to live up to that billing.
Derry would suffer a shock defeat at the hands of Donegal in their Ulster Championship opener, never really recovering from that point onwards. They would lose two of their three All-Ireland round robin fixtures, and while they would overcome Mayo in the preliminary quarter-final, they were soundly beaten by Kerry in the following game.
There had been some rumours of unrest inside the Derry camp in the aftermath of their exit from the provincial championship, with it even being suggested that Mickey Harte could leave his role in the middle of the campaign.
While that did not come to fruition, he has now brought his time with the county to an end.
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Joe Brolly reacts to Mickey Harte's Derry departure
Mickey Harte's Derry departure was not unexpected, with the manner in which their season fizzled meaning it was difficult for him to return for the 2025 season.
His appointment last year caused quite a bit of controversy, with many in the Oak Leaf County unhappy with the decision to bring in the 72-year old.
Joe Brolly was a particularly harsh critic of the move, and while he enjoyed some of the county's success earlier in the season, it's fair to say that he never warmed to Harte.
He had a typically on brand reaction the news of his departure this afternoon.
Was it something I said?
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 8, 2024
He also replied to a tweet from former Tyrone star Owen Mulligan, who tweeted a bible verse perhaps to hint that his fellow countymen would forgive Harte for his move to rivals Derry.
I think I’ll pass on the forgiveness Owen https://t.co/xLvnSG2yeI
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 8, 2024
Brolly had remained steadfast in his belief that Mikey Harte was not the man to bring Derry forward. This tweet references his various criticisms of the manager this year, including some which came last week.
Speaking on the Free State Podcast., he called on the Derry County Board to bring the 'agony' of his tenure to an end.
From Tuesday’s episode of Free State. Time for the Derry board to bring the players’ agony to an end. pic.twitter.com/t647vaqYrT
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) July 2, 2024
I do not expect Mickey to do the decent thing, because it's not in his nature. The Derry board need to step in now and do what's right and bring an end to this agony.
That's really what it's been, it's been absolute agony...
Their careers are being flushed down the toilet by a fella who hasn't a club about how to play the modern game, whose almost every decision has been catastrophic and has seen the team serially humiliated.
It's fair to say that Joe Brolly won't lose any sleep over Harte's departure from Derry.
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