In a surprise to many, Offaly GAA have this afternoon appointed Mickey Harte as joint manager of the Offaly Footballers. Harte will co-manage with current manager Declan Kelly for a three-year period.
He carved out his reputation as one of the greatest managers the game has ever seen with his native Tyrone from 2003-2020. He brings a huge amount of experience to the county as has managed Tyrone to three All-Ireland titles, six Ulster titles, 1 National League and 12 Dr. McKenna Cups.
Harte helped re-energise the Louth footballers after stepping down as Tyrone boss.
Harte had recently stepped down as manager of the Derry senior footballers after they won the McKenna Cup and the National League but after a difficult championship campaign with three successive championship defeats to Donegal, Galway, and eventual champions Armagh, his future looked uncertain.
Having spent so many successful years with Tyrone, the move to rivals Derry was controversial to say the least with a number of supporters from both counties unhappy at the move.
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Harte's move to Offaly
But Harte's move to Offaly opens up a new chapter and the septegenarian is now set for a 23rd consecutive season in intercounty management.
Speaking to Offaly GAA, Harte highlighted the potential within the county:
I am really looking forward to working with Declan and the players over the next three years. I am very aware of the history and tradition of Offaly football and believe that there is huge potential within the county. I am very excited to work with Declan and the players to get the best out of the footballers in both the League and Championship in 2025.
Current manager Declan Kelly also spoke about his delight as Harte joining the team ahead of the 2025 campaign:
This is great news for Offaly football and Offaly GAA in general. I look forward to working closely with Mickey. He has had huge success over the years and we hope to emulate that in the not-too-distant future.
𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚
Offaly GAA Football Management Review Committee has this afternoon recommended Mickey Harte as joint manager of the Offaly Footballers and this has been endorsed by Offaly GAA Management Committee for approval at the next County Board meeting. Mr Harte… pic.twitter.com/nwaWCad45i— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) August 19, 2024
Offaly finished sixth in Division Three last year and had a particularly poor Tailteann Cup campaign so Harte has his work cut out for him.
