Gavin Devlin Makes Swift Return to Louth GAA After Derry Departure
Gavin Devlin has rejoined Louth GAA just 10 months after leaving the senior county set-up with Mickey Harte under controversial circumstances. Devlin, who was Harte’s right-hand man, initially departed to join Harte with the Oak Leafers last September.
Louth GAA has announced Devlin as their new director of underage football. The influential Tyrone coach previously spent three years with Louth before their contentious exit. Harte claimed he was entitled to leave due to a three-year agreement, while county chair Peter Fitzpatrick argued that a two-year extension had been agreed.
Despite their move to Derry, Harte and Devlin left after one disappointing season. Although the Oak Leafers won the Division 1 final against Dublin, they faltered in their Ulster title defense against Donegal and were eliminated by Kerry in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals.
Ardboe’s Devlin, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Tyrone under Harte, has quickly transitioned into his new role with Louth. The county board emphasized that senior manager Ger Brennan was integral to discussions leading to Devlin’s appointment. Brennan guided Louth to a Leinster final and an All-Ireland quarter-final this summer.
“Louth GAA are delighted to announce Gavin Devlin as its new underage football development coordinator, overseeing the county’s academy squads, post-primary, and rising stars programs,” the statement read. “Following months of deliberation among the Louth GAA management committee, senior football manager Ger Brennan, games development personnel, and other stakeholders, we are pleased that Gavin has agreed to return to Louth GAA. He will work closely with our games development manager Pierce Caherty and his staff, underage units, and coaches to maintain and enhance our trajectory in underage development, aiming to feed our flagship teams in the future.
“Gavin’s coaching credentials are unquestionable, and his record with Louth and Tyrone is a testament to the standards we expect our young footballers and club coaches to learn from. We wish Gavin all the best in his new role.”
