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13 Nov 2025

Ex-Donegal coach Luke Barrett makes shock switch to Ulster rivals Derry

The Milford man had stepped away from his role with Jim McGuinness’ backroom team in September to “pursue further education.”

Ex-Donegal coach Luke Barrett makes shock switch to Ulster rivals Derry

Luke Barrett

Luke Barrett is set to link up with Ciarán Meenagh and the Derry senior football management team for the 2026 campaign.

Ex-Donegal selector Barrett - who most recently coached Loughmacrory to the Tyrone senior club championship -  had stepped away from his role with Donegal back in September to “pursue further education.” 

In a two-year spell under Jim McGuinness, Barrett helped Donegal to consecutive Ulster Championship titles and was part of the management group that reached the 2025 All-Ireland final, where they were beaten by Kerry, 1-26 to 0-19.

Barrett had recently worked with Meenagh at Loughmacrory and the latter will take over as new Oak Leaf boss having been appointed in July as the replacement for Paddy Tally.

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