Devlin’s return can only be of benefit to Louth
Inside Track | Joe Carroll
Gavin Devlin’s return to the Louth fold, just ten months after taking his leave, doesn’t necessarily mean a fracture in the successful partnership he has had with Mickey Harte over the years.
Devlin, recognised as one of the county’s leading coaches, is to have responsibility for the structuring and development of underage and schools football, as well as academies.
He will also be available to club teams, adult as well as underage. It’s believed that around the time of his and Harte’s sudden and unexpected departure, he had made a similar offer to the County Board.
It would have entailed him also being involved with the county under-20 footballers; but with the pair making their way to Derry, the offer came to nought. It’s for certain it couldn’t have been made without Harte being fully behind it.
If the former Tyrone, Louth and Derry senior manager ever takes up another inter-county post, it would be a surprise if he hadn’t his long-time sidekick in tow.
It’s unlikely Devlin will have any part to play in the preparation of under-20s or seniors, but may have with other underage sides. Interestingly, his appointment came after the County Board had had discussions with Ger Brennan on the future of football in the county. Coming from a Dublin background, Brennan would know more than anyone else the importance of having proper underage structures in place.
Making the announcement at a recent County Board meeting, chairman Seán McClean said of Devlin: “He is one of the best coaches in Ireland, and he could have chosen most counties. If he can do a similar job with Louth at underage levels as he did with the seniors, we’ll be doing well.”
The Tyrone man’s expertise should be of huge benefit to those who have responsibility for county teams, academies, the County Minor Board and Cumann na mBunscoil.
The latter, chaired for a number of years by former Stabannon Parnells footballer, Fiachra Bell, are making great strides, but may not be getting the support they need from all schools.
Working in tandem with Devlin, Bell and his colleagues may now get a more enthusiastic response; taking advice from the new man, mentors can only benefit.
There’s good reason to welcome the appointment. The under-20s and minors made significant progress in their respective championships this year, and are expected to kick on. With renewed enthusiasm among those further down the line, the supply chain can only become stronger.