By Michael McMullan

DERRY manager Paddy Tally has added Strength and Conditioning coach Cairbre Ó Cairealláin to his backroom team.

A former Antrim hurler, he was part of both Tipperary and Limerick hurlers’ All-Ireland winning formula.

Ó Cairealláin, from St Paul’s on Belfast’s Shaws Road, also had a spell at Arsenal where he looked after the academy and women’s teams.

With the window for collective training less the two weeks away, on December 7, Ó Cairealláin will be an important link as Derry zone in on their preparations for the 2025.

Tally was appointed on a three-year term, to the fill the vacancy left after Mickey Harte stepped down.

His management team is made up Paul McIver who will take on the role of Head Coach.

Former Derry skipper Kevin McGuckin was along brought on board with Paul McFlynn also on the ticket having been on board last season under Mickey Harte.

The Oakleafers are currently assembling a panel but will have to plan without former skipper Chrissy McKaigue who announced his retirement from inter-county football last week.

Derry will begin the defence of their NFL title against Tyrone in January with the Red Hands now having former Monaghan and Fermanagh manager Malachy O’Rourke in charge.

O’Rourke and his right-hand man Ryan Porter completed four seasons at the helm with Glen.

They were given a send-off by players and club members on Saturday at an evening of reflection in the Maghera that coincided with the release of a book “Becoming Kings” to commemorate their three-year journey to the steps of the Hogan Stand.

Check out the latest edition of Gaelic Lives and a look back at a weekend of Ulster Championship action