Damian Diver confirms he is set to seek Coaching Officer position at Convention 

Donegal legend Damian Diver has confirmed that he will be letting his name go forward at December’s GAA Convention for the position of county Coaching Officer. 

The former star - who was also part of Jim McGuinness’ backroom team back in 2014 when the side reached the All-Ireland final - said he wants to get back involved at intercounty level in a coaching capacity. 

And helping oversee grassroots development is where he believes he can make a valuable contribution. Donegal’s Academy set-up imploded in the early part of 2023 with Karl Lacey stepping down from his role as a result of the fallout. 

And Diver, who was one of the coaches that worked under the 2012 Al-Ireland winner at the time, says it’s important that as much of that structure as possible is retained going into 2024. 

“It’s something that I’m really passionate about, he said. “With Jim McGuinness coming back in as senior manager, it’s given everything a huge lift. But we also need to look at everything else. 

“What’s below that, what needs to be done now to find continuity and progress lads up through the ranks with the eventual goal being to become a senior county footballer or hurler. 

“Not everyone will get there, but the one guarantee has to be that you are developing players, making them better. Because that same lineage, it needs to also tie into the clubs. If it’s a rising tide, it has to lift all boats. 

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“So we need to put some real framework back in place and get things moving in the right direction once more - and there needs to be synergy to all of that. 

“In life, business or any type of relationship, you simply have to be pulling in the one direction or it will not work. 

“Working alongside Karl that time, what was being implemented was simply amazing - it really needed to be seen to be believed. The aim would be to incorporate and retain as much of that as possible and then look to progress it on, especially through the clubs. 

“But it can’t be stagnant, it has to be progressive. Declan Bushell (Head of Games) deserves serious credit getting all that moving once more. 

“And I know there are some fantastic coaches that put in serious amounts of time and energy to drive it. I know that because I worked alongside them. 

“There were no egos. And it didn’t matter if you were a former county player, club player or whatever. 

“Because I think if you have a clear philosophy and a solid structure then it should be straightforward in terms of the coaches relaying that message from the bottom up and, like I previously mentioned, right through our clubs”. 

With the nominations for the various positions with the county secretary since last week, it’s understood those nominated for roles had to reply by email, stating their intentions, by close of business on Friday evening last. 

There is a management meeting scheduled for Monday night in Convoy and the list of all nominees are expected to be released after that gathering.