Brendan Rogers lives at the heart of GAA in Derry as he gives his life to the county, whether that’s representing the senior men’s team, or playing for his club Slaughtneil in both codes.
The versatile star represents the Oak Leafers in as much as it is humanly possible, so when the news broke that Paddy Tally was set to be the new county football manager, there were few men more excited than Rogers.
Speaking at the media launch of the AIB GOAL Mile, which is an initiative that encourages communities in Ireland to ‘Step Up Together’ and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas, the dual player explained why he is delighted that Tally was selected, and why he is relieved that the decision wasn’t rushed.
“The people in Derry who are involved in the executive committees and stuff, their interest is Derry, and their interest is getting the right people,” said Rogers.
“I think what was good about it is they didn’t fall into that trap of ‘anybody will do’ and I’m sure they were under pressure, they would have had people constantly in their ear, but sticking to their guns, they waited until they got the right man.
“That is the most important thing because you have to go after what you think is right, and what you believe in, and generally you will never go too far off the mark, so full credit to them because even with all of the noise, they still went after a great man in Paddy Tally, they got him, and that wasn’t an easy thing to do considering he was in a role with Kerry, ad they are obviously a big county as well.
“The positive for me is that Paddy has seen that there is something in Derry that he could add value to as well, so the fact he has come with us is a really big positive.”
Now entering his 10th year in the Derry panel, things have come full circle for both Rogers and Tally, who was the Oak Leafers’ coach back when the young midfielder made his debut.
“Paddy’s last year with Derry under Brian McIver was in 2015, and that year I got my first start,” the 2023 All-Star revealed.
“I had a good year under him, it was a good experience and I thought very highly of him, and was always watching everywhere he went afterwards.
“It seems to be a consistent theme that he gets success, he has coached in four All-Ireland Finals, many national Leagues, he’s won a Sigerson — he’s clearly followed by a fair bit of success, and that’s no coincidence, because when you experience and realise just how driven he is, it really is no surprise, and I’m glad he’s back.”
While the news that Derry finally found a manager was a welcome one in the county, the recent announcement that Chrissy McKaigue is retiring, would have been disappointing to hear.
A team-mate of Rogers at club and county level, the two would share lifts to training together, and the 30-year-old now admits that is going to take some time to adjust.
“We did travel together, so you do miss that bit of craic in the car, that bit of slagging or even the fallouts that you would have. It’s all part of it, that’s what gets you closer together, so it will be a big change for me in both those departments,” he said.
“The man has left a legacy behind him that he can only be proud of, and I think anybody would be, not even with all the medals; people would look at how he conducted himself, the calibre of player that he has pitched himself against, I mean what a remarkable career.
“He has always dealt with the best from the start of his career, and his last day out was against David Clifford in Croke Park, and that’s no mean feat, so full credit to him. I think he probably deserves the break, from me as well, never mind the team.”
Anyone who knows McKaigue will know that taking a “break” is not likely something that he will pursue, as the former defender is engrained in the GAA. He works full-time within the sport, still plays for Slaughtneil, and has been coaching with other clubs, like Tyrone’s Ardboe.
It would not surprise anybody to see the All-Star take a management job in the future and Rogers thinks that he could go to the highest level.
“I would never have had any doubts that Chrissy would go into inter-county management,” he said.
“A bit like his playing career, his ambitions are always to go to the top, and with him being in that environment, and having that mentality for so long, then he will always want to go to the top.
“He is clearly obsessed with the GAA lifestyle, so no doubt he will be an inter-county manager, and I have no doubt that he will be a successful one at that.”
AIB are also offering people the chance to win €1,000 by registering for their GOAL Mile by visiting www.goalmile.org and registering their club for the AIB GAA Goal Mile competition by visiting www.aibgaagoalmile2024.com.