Football

Martin McHugh still a contender for Donegal management after Malachy O'Rourke rules himself out

Malachy O'Rourke has ruled himself out of contention to become Donegal manager. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.
Malachy O'Rourke has ruled himself out of contention to become Donegal manager. Picture Margaret McLaughlin. Malachy O'Rourke has ruled himself out of contention to become Donegal manager. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.

MARTIN McHugh may still be in the frame to become Donegal senior manager after Malachy O’Rourke ruled himself out of contention for the role.

The former Fermanagh and Monaghan supremo, currently manager of Derry senior football champions Watty Graham’s Glen, was reported to be in the frame to succeed Declan Bonner as Tir Chonaill bainisteoir but he has joined former manager Jim McGuinness in opting out of the running.

McHugh was an early favourite to take over from Bonner, his team-mate in the 1992 All-Ireland-winning team, but it is believed that he wasn’t nominated by any of Donegal’s clubs.

Nominations for the post closed more than two weeks ago but The Donegal News has reported that the three-person panel designated to find Bonner’s successor may expand their search beyond the boundaries of the nomination process meaning McHugh could still be a contender.

Former Donegal minor-winning manager Shaun Paul Barrett, who also took charge of the county’s U20 side, is also believed to be in the frame.