Donegal confirm departure of backroom trio

Donegal confirm departure of backroom trio September 13, 2025

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness and selector Luke Barrett during the All-Ireland SFC Round 3 clash against Mayo at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park ©INPHO/James Crombie

Donegal GAA have confirmed the departure of three backroom team members from the county’s senior football squad.

The trio to leave Jim McGuinness’s set-up are team selector and coach Luke Barrett and physios Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell.

It is understood that Barrett has parted ways with the squad to undertake a Master’s Degree in Skill Acquisition in Sport at Munster Technological University (MTu).

Donegal GAA confirmed the announcement of the three men’s departure this morning (Saturday) with a statement which read:

“Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall would like to express its gratitude to three members of senior team manager, Jim McGuinness’s backroom team who are departing the management to progress their education and professional development.

“Acknowledging the very significant input of selector, Luke Barrett as well as that of chartered physiotherapists, Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell, the county board said that all three men had gone above and beyond, in terms of the effort and commitment made over the course of several seasons. Their expertise, energy and enthusiasm were pivotal to driving standards forward within the senior squad.”

“Chairperson Mary Coughlan has completed a very positive end-of-season strategy meeting with manager, Jim McGuinness, to look forward to 2026 while reviewing the year gone by. Although ultimately suffering the bitter disappointment of losing the All-Ireland final, the rate of progress both on and off the field has given reason for much optimism looking ahead.”