John McEvoy steps down as Derry senior hurling manager

Laois native McEvoy, had indicated he was considering his future after Derry's Christy Ring Cup exit against Offaly last month . He was appointed in December 2018 and had this year guided Derry through a superb league season, topping Division 2B before the coronavirus shutdown in March.

The lockdown stopped that momentum in its tracks with Derry unable to reach those heights after the resumption despite some encouraging performances and with the doubts hanging over what structure the 2021 season will take, McEvoy has confirmed that neither he, nor his management team of Johnny McGuirk and Brian Delargy would be seeking a third year in charge.

"Derry GAA would like to sincerely thank John McEvoy, Johnny McGuirk and Brian Delargy for their work over the past two years in their posts," read a statement issued by the County Board, "The period saw a large number of young players introduced to the senior ranks, with the standards set by John and his team a tremendous base on which to build for the future."

Meanwhile, McEvoy thanked those he worked with in the past two seasons.

“We would like to thank the players who committed to the Derry Senior Hurling project over the last two years and thank them for raising the standards, preparation and ambition of being a Derry Senior Hurler,” said McEvoy.

“As manager, I would like to thank all the management for their work and integrity with special thanks to the coaches, selectors, medical team, stats team and kit men. Special thanks from us all to Terry Gray for his invaluable service to Derry Hurling. Finally, we would like to thank the Clubs and County Board for their support.

“This journey has only begun for Derry Hurling and we hope all parties drive on and develop this project further in the coming years.”

The process to appoint a new management team will commence in due course when nominations will be sought.