*Dermot Coughlan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
EX CLARE minor manager, Dermot Coughlan is the leading candidate to be appointed as U20 football manager.
The Clare Echo understands that Clare GAA chiefs are keen to appoint Dermot following their decision not to extend Maurice Walsh’s tenure in charge of the U20s.
Next week will see the September County Board meeting take place where it is possible that Coughlan could be ratified.
Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman Coughlan had been minor manager for six years, bringing an end to his tenure following the 2024 championship. His in-depth knowledge of the crop of players and history of working with many of them is among the reasons why he is the preferred appointment.
Dermot was part of the Clare senior football panel in 1992 who managed by John Maughan memorably won the Munster championship. With his club, he won
He is currently manager of Kilrush Shamrocks, they reached the Clare IFC semi-final last year losing to eventual winners Wolfe Tones but since Coughlan’s arrival at the beginning of the year they have already won the Garry Cup which has secured their promotion to the Cusack Cup for 2026. The Shams have won all three championship games to date to top Group 2 and qualify for the quarter-finals where they will meet Cooraclare.
Coughlan has previously managed Kilrush, Kilmihil and Clondegad to championship glory in the intermediate grade.
Members of his management with the Clare minors over the course of his six years included Seán Haugh of O’Currys, Éire Óg’s Mike Neylon, Dermot Gavin of Clondegad, Corofin’s Barry McGroary, Pat McMahon, Martin Cahill, Dermot O’Mahoney, Derry O’Donoghue, Peter O’Dwyer and S&C coach Derek Morris. Joe Hayes was part of Coughlan’s management before becoming his successor in 2024.
Speaking to The Clare Echo about his exit as U20 manager, Maurice Walsh stated, “I don’t have a major issue with it. It would have been a little bit awkward for me this year with other commitments. Our management spoke and while they were delighted to be involved last year, the commitment is so big and two of them have very young children and we were finding it hard to pull lads in. Best of luck to whoever takes on that role”.
