As the 2025 GAA season draws nearer, the spotlight is expected to fall on the corps of new county team managers who will be embarking on demanding challenges as they put their reputations on the line.
No fewer than 12 new managers will step up to the mark following several months of speculation and debate after a number of bosses stepped aside from their roles and others discovered that their services were no longer required.
In certain counties managerial appointments were only made after months of rumour, counter-rumour and untruths.
But now it is onwards and upwards as the new year beckons. And one new manager in particular is very much in the throes of preparations for the season ahead.
He is Tyrone boss Malachy O’Rourke and he gets the chance to run his eye over some emerging talent on Saturday when Dungannon Clarkes and Carrickmore go head to head in the Tyrone All-County League Final at Augher (1.30pm).
Since the departure of Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher there has been an intense yearning within Tyrone for a high-profile replacement and O’Rourke, who steered Glen to three Derry Championship titles, is viewed to fit the bill appropriately.
With Errigal Ciaran having reached the Semi-Final of the All-Ireland Club Championship in which they will meet Dr Crokes next month, the 2025 pot in the Red Hand County has already been given a strong stir.
But for now O’Rourke will have his sights on a League Final that will see a number of players come under the spotlight. Carrickmore trio Lorcan McGarrity, Sean Donnelly and Rory Gallagher along with some Dungannon players will come under scrutiny.
With Tyrone due to meet Derry in their first Allianz League fixture at Celtic Park on Saturday, January 25, this will see Red Hand county boss O’Rourke pit his managerial skills against those of Paddy Tally.
The other new managers taking up their positions in 2025 are Tally (Derry), Peter Keane (Clare), Steven Poacher (Leitrim), Dermot McCabe (Westmeath), Shane Curran (Carlow), Brian Flanagan (Kildare), Mickey Harte (Offaly joint boss), Philly Ryan (Tipperary), Robbie Brennan (Meath), Gabriel Bannigan (Monaghan), and Mike Solan (Longford).