GAA | Gavin Devlin makes quick return to Louth after Derry Exit
Gavin Devlin has taken up a new role with Louth GAA, just 10 months after he left the county’s senior set-up with Mickey Harte in acrimonious circumstances.
Devlin chose to take up a position on Harte’s new management team at Derry in September last year having been a key member of the Wee County’s staff, however, he will now move back in the other direction.
Last year, Mickey Harte had cut ties with Louth having fallen out with county chair Peter Fitzpatrick over discussions and disagreements about his contract length, and the 72-year-old opted to head north to Derry, taking Devlin with him.
However, both Harte and Devlin lasted for just one year in The Oak Leaf County following a disappointing campaign. Derry edged out Dublin to claim the Division 1 final, however, they relinquished their provincial crown meekly when they were beaten by Donegal in the Ulster Championship.
More misery awaited Harte and Derry in the All Irelands and despite being priced as a contender to land silverware on the best betting sites, the Oak Leafers were ousted at the quarter-final stage of the All Irelands by Kerry in limp fashion.
Harte stepped down from his role with Derry following that loss to Kerry with Devlin leaving with him.
Louth were quick to make their move for Devlin following his depature, securing the highly-regarded figure for a role as the county’s director of underage football.
In an official statement to confirm the appointment, it was stressed that Louth senior boss Ger Brennan was central to the decision to bring Devlin back into the fold.
"Louth GAA are delighted to announce Gavlin Devlin as its new underage football development coordinator, with a remit of steering the county's academy squads, post-primary and rising stars programme.
"Following months of deliberation and discussion between members of the Louth GAA management committee, senior football manager Ger Brennan, games development personnel and other stakeholders, we are delighted that Gavin has agreed to return to Louth GAA in a role that will see him work closely with our games development manager Pierce Caherty and his staff, underage units and coaches as we strive to maintain and propel our trajectory in underage development with the view of feeding our flagship teams into the future.
"Gavin's coaching credentials are unquestionable and his record with Louth and Tyrone are testament to the standards we can expect our young footballers and club coaches to be exposed to and learn from.
"We would like to take this opportunity to wish Gavin all the best in his new role."
Devlin served as a selector under Harte in all three counties the prolific taskmaster has managed and the Ardboe native won two All-Islands with Harte during the pair’s stint at Tyrone.
His return to the Louth set-up comes at an interesting juncture. Ger Brennan guided the Wee County to safety in Division 2 before the seniors defied their underdog status on betting apps to embark on an eight-game adventure in the Championship which culminated in a first All-Ireland quarter-final appearance.
With optimism about the future of football in the county at an all-time high, the addition of Devlin to the staff feels like another significant move.
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