DONEGAL’S GOALKEEPERS will have a new goalkeeping coach in 2017, it has been confirmed.
Former Donegal goalkeeper Paul Callaghan has replaced James Gallagher in the role for next year.
Burt clubman Callaghan was the substitute goalkeeper when Donegal won the All-Ireland in 1992 and played Championship football with the county until 1999.
Callaghan works with the Ulster Council as their Active Club Co-Ordinator and was previously the goalkeeping coach under the management of Brian McIver.
[adrotate group=”85″]Gallagher has stepped down from the role due to work and family commitments, the Donegal manager, Rory Gallagher has said.
“James was a brilliant coach and a brilliant man in our group,” the Donegal boss told Donegal Sport Hub.
“James has great experience and he worked really well with our goalkeepers. James managed the change from Paul Durcan to Mark Anthony McGinley really well and our goalkeepers all liked working with him.
[adrotate group=”81″]“I would like to thank James for his services and we look forward to working with Paul, who has also given Donegal tremendous service over the years.”
Gallagher – who played for Celtic’s youth team and later played for and managed Finn Harps – was Donegal’s goalkeeping coach for 2015 and 2016 and he played for Glenswilly this year, winning the Donegal SFC title.
Callaghan is the second new addition to Donegal’s backroom team, following confirmation that Richard Thornton has taken over from Jack Cooney as team trainer.
Gallagher said: “Jack gave wonderful commitment to us over the two years.
“Richard is in now and he has played for and worked for some successful teams in Ulster and All-Ireland Championships. He has been on my radar for a while now and I’m looking forward to having him in our set-up.”
