Donegal GAA begin interview process to appoint Karl Lacey successor 

Donegal GAA has started the interview process to find a new Academy Head. 

Two years on from Karl Lacey’s turbulent departure from the role, DonegalLive understands candidates were interviewed at the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy last Thursday. 

The Donegal executive are now scheduled to discuss those interviews on Monday night at a management meeting. 

Lacey left the position in February 2023 with the majority of the academy coaching staff soon following with the 2012 All-Ireland winner, at the time, citing a lack of support from within the county board. 

Lacey, who has an MSc in Sports Performance from the University of Limerick and is a lecturer in Sport Coaching and Performance at ATU Donegal in Letterkenny, was over the coaching of players from U-14 level up to U-20.

A subsequent review by Croke Park into the runnings of Donegal GAA was carried out paying particular attention to areas like the academy as well as both finance and governance. 

The report, compiled by a joint Ulster Council and Croke Park committee, revealed 14 high-risk findings among its observations and recommendations.

Jim McGuinness has since come back on board and led the footballers to an Ulster title and All-Ireland semi-final spot last season. 

They currently lead the way in Division 1 of the NFL ahead of this afternoon’s trip to Galway. 

Mary Coughlan is into her second year as county chairperson, and she has led widespread change at executive level in Donegal GAA. 

Lacey meanwhile, went on to boss Kilcoo in County Down but recently stepped away from that position. 

The 2012 Footballer of the Year took over the 2022 All-Ireland Club SFC winners in February 2023 and won the Down SFC in each of his two seasons in charge.

The new Academy Head position is a part-time one and full details of the job description can still be viewed here.