Jim McGuinness looking to bulk Donegal backroom team after high-profile departure

Jim McGuinness is on the lookout for a new backroom team member with the news that Luke Barrett has stepped away to further his education. 

The Milford native recently published his thesis after the completion of a Masters in Applied Sports Coaching from the University of Limerick (UL). 

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Barrett now plans to undertake a second Masters, this time on Skill Acquisition in Sport, at Munster Technological University (MUT). 

Barrett - a former Donegal minor manager - came on board back in late 2023 along with Colm McFadden and Neil McGee as McGuinness made a shock return to the helm. 

Since then, the 2012 All-Ireland winning boss has led his county to back-to-back Ulster titles as well as an All-Ireland final in July, where they lost out to Kerry. 

Meanwhile, Declan Bonner has emerged as a leading contender for the vacant Fermanagh senior football manager’s post.

The former Donegal boss is currently at the helm of Erne Gaels. Also in the frame is ex-Fermanagh U-20 boss Maurice McLaughlin. 

But Bonner seems odds on at this point to succeed Kieran Donnelly, who stepped down last month after five years in charge.

Ex Donegal player Paul Brennan, who is currently part of Bonner’s management in Belleek, is also being tipped to form part of the 1992 All-Ireland winner’s backroom team if he is appointed.

Elsewhere, another Donegal All-Ireland winner in 2012, Mark McHugh, has been confirmed as the new manager of the Westmeath senior football team.

McHugh, who was part of Dermot McCabe’s management setup with the Lake County last season, also spent time coaching Roscommon in 2023.

The Kilcar native has previously worked with Galway’s Moycullen club, the Donegal ladies senior side, and the Fermanagh minors. 

Westmeath and Down are expected to be among the frontrunners for promotion from Division 3 following their relegation this year.