Dermot Carlin says he is fulfulling a personal ambition by moving into coaching

DERMOT Carlin‘s appointment as the new Tyrone U20 trainer is the realisation of a long-held ambition.

The two-time All-Ireland winner learned his trade with Killyclogher underage teams, and is itching for action in the inagural year of the All-Ireland U20 Championship.

Carlin has had to get used to life on the sidelines over the past two years due to a lingering back injury, but is still determined to line out for his club this year as well.

“I can’t wait to get at it. It’s something I always wanted to do. I’m still playing myself, and still intending on playing as long as the injury settles down ok. It’s great working with the lads and I’m back up at Garvaghey, I didn’t think it’d be so soon.

“I’d been involved with youth teams helping out, I’d never actually managed one but I’d always been there to help out at all the different stages.”

Paul Devlin will lead the U20s alongside Dermot Carlin and Paddy McGuigan – brother of Tyrone legend Frank McGuigan. More than 70 budding intercounty stars attended trials last Sunday in a bit to impress them.

The full interview with Dermot Carlin is available in store today or online here.