Jim McGuinness and Donegal lose three key backroom team members

Big shoes to fill.

Last year's All-Ireland finalists Donegal have announced that three members of the senior footballer's backroom staff have left the set-up.

Team selector and coach, Luke Barrett, has left to do a Masters in Skill Acquisition in Sport at Munster Technological University, while physios Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell have also departed.

In a statement, Donegal GAA said: "For immediate release.

"Coiste Chontae Dhún na nGall would like to express its gratitude to three members of senior team manager, Jim McGuinness’s backroom team who are departing the management to progress their education and professional development.

"Acknowledging the very significant input of selector, Luke Barrett as well as that of chartered physiotherapists, Shane McClean and Joseph O’Donnell, the county board said that all three men had gone above and beyond, in terms of the effort and commitment made over the course of several seasons. Their expertise, energy and enthusiasm were pivotal to driving standards forward within the senior squad.

"Chairperson Mary Coughlan has completed a very positive end-of-season strategy meeting with manager, Jim McGuinness, to look forward to 2026 while reviewing the year gone by. Although ultimately suffering the bitter disappointment of losing the All-Ireland final, the rate of progress both on and off the field has given reason for much optimism looking ahead."

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