Naomh Conaill - champions for the eighth time in Donegal Picture Thomas Gallagher
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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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Kieran Donnelly is being linked to a role with the Donegal senior footballers in 2026
Kieran Donnelly is the latest name to be linked to hooking up with Jim McGuinness’ Donegal managerial backroom team ahead of 2026.
Luke Barrett stepped away from the set-up recently and it’s left a void yet to be filled. Speculation had connected Paul McGonagle with the role in recent weeks.
McGonagle previously worked alongside McGuinness back in 2014 as Donegal landed an Ulster title before falling to Kerry in that same season’s All-Ireland final.
READ NEXT: Glenfin to host Donegal GAA Convention to mark 50th anniversary
Another name doing the rounds was Kerry icon Kieran Donaghy. The four-time All-Ireland winner had previously worked under Kieran McGeeney at Armagh.
He was involved with the Orchard County for five seasons, including 2024 when they lifted Sam Maguire.
But DonegalLive understands that former Fermanagh manager Donnelly is the one now firmly in the frame.
McGuinness and his players are currently in Cancun, Mexico on holiday, a reward for their 2025 achievements, where they once again landed the Ulster crown before coming up short in the All-Ireland decider, once again to the Kingdom.
Donnelly stepped away from the Fermanagh hotseat back in August after five seasons at the helm.
He took charge in 2021 and guided the Erne county to promotion to Division 2 the following year. They were relegated the season after and finished fourth in Division 3 this year.
In the Ulster championship, they let a strong position slip against Down while their Tailteann Cup run ended at the semi-final stage against eventual winners Kildare.
Donnelly also managed the Ulster side that won last October’s revived interprovincial series, which, at the time, was also used to trial some of the FRC’s proposed rule changes.
Meanwhile, DonegalLive also understands Glenfin GAA club, which will celebrate half a century this weekend, will also host this year’s Donegal GAA Convention.
The 2025 Donegal GAA Convention will take place on December 10 in the Finn Suite at Jackson’s Hotel.
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