Mickey Harte’s Derry exit prompts response from Joe Brolly and Owen Mulligan

Joe Brolly has issued a five-word response to the news that Mickey Harte has resigned as Derry manager.

Former Tyrone All-Ireland winning coach Harte stepped down from the Oak Leafers on Monday after less than a year in charge following their All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Kerry at Croke Park last Sunday.

Harte took over as Derry boss last September in a shock move as he managed fierce rivals Tyrone for 17 years between 2003-2020. He led the Ulster side to a National League title earlier this year, but an abject Championship performance has seen the veteran boss’ position come under scrutiny.

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From day one, Brolly was against the decision to hire Harte and criticised the Derry county board and Harte throughout his spell in charge of the side.

With the news of Mickey’s change of heart, Brolly took to social media this afternoon as he wrote: “Was it something I said?” in what appears to be a reference to Harte’s departure.

Former Tyrone star Owen Mulligan also replied to the news of Harte’s departure by taking to social media to suggest he’d forgiven his former manager for taking charge of Tyrone’s Ulster rivals.

On Monday afternoon, Harte announced his decision to step down as Derry manager. In a statement, he thanked the players for their commitment.

Harte said: “I would like to thank the players for the huge commitment they gave to the Derry jersey during the 2024 season.

“I would also like to thank Gavin and the entire backroom team for their hard work, dedication and expertise. “Thanks too for the support of the County Board and all those generous sponsors of the GAA in Derry. Finally, I wish the players every success in the years ahead.”

Chairperson of Derry GAA, John Keenan, thanked Harte for his efforts in 2024.

“We sincerely thank Mickey, Gavin and their entire backroom team for their hard work and dedication throughout the 2024 season. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”

Rory Gallagher is already the odds-on favourite to make a dramatic return to the role he vacanted last summer while Glen manager Malachy O’Rourke is also among the early front-runners for the job.

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