Paddy Tally has pulled off a major coup in his first few days as Derry manager in luring esteemed S and C coach Cairbre Ó Cairealláin to the Oak Leaf county.
The Belfast native is well regarded for his work for the Limerick hurlers, with the Treaty's multiple All-Ireland winners regularly hailing his input between 2022 and 2024.
Ó Cairealláin first became involved in the inter-county S and C scene with the Limerick GAA academy having studied in the University of Limerick. He went onto work with Premier League side Arsenal in their academy and with their women's team, before returning to the GAA landscape with the Tipperary hurlers.
Ó Cairealláin was part of Liam Sheedy's backroom team for their last All-Ireland winning side in 2019, basing himself in the county throughout the year.
Ó Cairealláin and Aaron Gillane. Sportsfile.
The former Antrim minor hurler then returned to the Limerick set-up for 2022, coming back with an established track record to lead their famed S and C programme. Ó Cairealláin's brother Naoise is part of the Hip-Hop group KNEECAP.
2023 Hurler of the Year Aaron Gillane credited Ó Cairealláin for helping him to be the 'fittest I'd ever been' that season.
"I’d say this year was the fittest I’ve ever been," Gillane said in 2023.
"That’s all credit to Cairbre and how he is. He’s very approachable and easy to get along with.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of him. He’s a big hit now in the group, he’s really settled in, everyone loves him."
He departed the role at the end of the season ensuring something of a clamour for his services and Derry have won the race.
Limerick Strength and conditioning coach Cairbre Ó Cairealláin before the 2022 Co-op Superstores Munster Hurling Cup Final match between Limerick and Clare at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
It's a coup for Derry who endured a frustrating off-season where they struggled to appoint a new manager.
Rory Gallagher was linked with a return on a number of occasions but the Derry county board eventually settled on Paddy Tally, who was part of their management set-up before under Brian McIver.
Tally gave up his role as coach in the Kerry backroom team under Jack O'Connor to join Derry, with midfielder Brendan Rogers hailing the appointment just last week. Ó Cairealláin's appointment is another boost for Derry folk with the new season coming into view.
