Mickey McCann confirms he's back on board with Donegal hurlers for 2026 season

Mickey McCann has confirmed he is staying on as boss of the Donegal senior hurlers for the 2026 season. 

The Burt native was present at the weekend in O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny and took in all three adult county finals. 

And after watching Setanta topple St Eunan’s in the SHC decider McCann, who first came on board in late 2017, says attention will now start to turn towards the new inter-county season. 

READ NEXT: Josh McGee Cronolly steps up as Setanta see off St Eunan's in SHC final 

“We’d our first real sitdown with the chairperson Mary Coughlan last week to put some plans in place,” he explained.  

“Last year, we had a couple of disappointing days but to remain in the Christy Ring and competing in Division 2 the way we did, we were fairly happy with the progress we made. 

“We’ve up to eighty-five per cent of our entire panel being supplied by three clubs while the Meaths and Kerrys had up to 16 to 20 clubs to pick from. 

“So considering all of that, we’re competing well. But the aim is, of course, to move all that forward once more”.

Letterkenny Gaels, St Eunan’s and Setanta were the winners in the games at the weekend with Gaels lifting a historic first-ever senior title at the expense of McCann’s home club Burt. 

In the IHC final, St Eunan’s second string got the better of Dungloe while in the main event, Setanta rallied late and with Josh McGee Cronolly stepping up to the plate late on, they prevailed 2-12 to 0-13 against St Eunan’s. 

“The threat was always there with Josh,” McCann said on that late heroics from a player he knows very well. 

“When he gets in that position, there is nothing else on his mind other than goal. He knows nothing else. And they were two great finishes under pressure. 

“And that first goal was a real turning point. It put a bit of daylight in the game. Eunan’s went four up ten minutes into the second-half but they were outscored 2-5 to 0-3 in the last 15 minutes. 

“It’s just that belief and know-how, experience really, as well as that quality inside that made the difference.

“I thought Stephen McBride was a rock at the back down the other side and Eunan’s didn’t get near Kevin Campbell’s goal bar that late shot at the end. 

“All the talk was about St Eunan’s in the lead-in and that suited Setanta down to the ground. But you are talking about a side that was Intermediate Ulster champions just two years ago. 

“Eunan’s looked the part all through the championship but there is only one day that really matters and that’s the final. 

“Setanta delivered there in the last 15 minutes when the game was in the melting pot and they were deserving winners. 

“Gerard Gilmore’s free-taking there too was exceptional and he was also a huge factor. 

“St Eunan’s… they put in a huge effort and they’ll be devastated. But they are a young side and they’ll learn. 

“I always felt this was a 50/50 game but it came down to experience and that’s where Setanta had the edge”.