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Derry star gives Paddy Tally a boost ahead of 2025 season and questions removal of pre-season tournaments
Gareth McKinless has indicated his willingness to continue his inter-county career and is relishing the prospect of working with Paddy Tally again.
Having made his senior county debut back in 2014, McKinless worked with Tally when he was Derry coach during Brian McIver’s tenure.
The Tyrone native was appointed as the manager of the Oak Leafers following a protracted search to find Mickey Harte’s successor with Kevin McGuckin, Paul McFlynn, Paul McIver and Cairbre Ó Cairealláin completing his backroom team.
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“When Paddy (Tally) was announced it was music to a lot of people’s ears,” said McKinless.
“I first worked with Paddy in 2014 when he was involved with Derry so I know a lot about him and what he brings to the table in his expertise and the learnings he has from the journey he’s been on over the last 10 years.
“He’s been involved with a team that we couldn’t get the better of over the last two years so I’m sure he’ll be bringing a lot to the table that will hopefully bring us to where we want to go.
“I spoke to him. I ran into him at the Allstar night and had a good chat to him. What he did with Kerry was fantastic and we’re hoping he’ll bring something similar to ourselves.”
McKinless, who has been cleared to play for Ballinderry in Saturday’s Ulster Club IFC final against Arva in Omagh after successfully appealing his two-game ban, thinks county teams will play a series of challenge game in January after the pre-season tournaments were paused for 2025.
Many have questioned the wisdom of the decision with a range of new playing rules now set to come into force for next year.
“I’d imagine the calendar will be filled with challenge games if there is no pre-season competitions,” added McKinless.
“Given the nature of where we’re at with the rules changing it’s probably bad timing taking those competitions away because you could have used them as great games to exercise the new rules. I’d say most teams will be playing challenge games to get a good rattle at each other.”
Derry will be hoping for a bounce from their new manager as they face into the 2025 campaign, which is set to start with a derby clash with the Red Hands in Omagh on Sunday, January 26.
As well as a disappointing Championship campaign with the Oak Leafers, McKinless also spent much of the season sidelined with a number of injuries.
“It’s the same as anything – you set out on the season with particular goals, personal goals and team goals and sometimes you don’t achieve them,” reflected the 2023 All-Star.
“There are reasons for that but that’s for sitting down and trying to reflect and getting feedback and ultimately trying to rectify them.
“Personally I picked up a few injuries and I was injury-plagued this year whether it was hamstrings, I broke my hand, I broke my nose…
“It took a while to get into the swing of things but I’ll hopefully be ready to rock for the new season.”
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