Donegal GAA confirm the departure of three members of the backroom staff

Donegal have confirmed the departure of three of their backroom staff from this season's Ulster-winning and All-Ireland runners-up ticket.

As previously reported by DonegalLive earlier this week, Luke Barrett has now stepped away from the position as coach and selector of the team to undertake a Masters in Skill Acquisition in Sport at Munster Technological University (MUT). 

Added to that, physiotherapists Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell have also both left their positions within the backroom team.

A statement from Donegal GAA this morning confirmed the departures as they thanked the trio.

“Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall would like to express its gratitude to three members of senior team manager, Jim McGuinness's backroom team who are departing the management to progress their education and professional development.

“Acknowledging the very significant input of selector, Luke Barrett as well as that of chartered physiotherapists, Shane McClean and Joseph O'Donnell, the county board said that all three men had gone above and beyond, in terms of the effort and commitment made over the course of several seasons. Their expertise, energy and enthusiasm were pivotal to driving standards forward within the senior squad.

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“Chairperson Mary Coughlan has completed a very positive end-of-season strategy meeting with manager, Jim McGuinness, to look forward to 2026 while reviewing the year gone by. Although ultimately suffering the bitter disappointment of losing the All-Ireland final, the rate of progress both on and off the field has given reason for much optimism looking ahead.”