Undoubtedly, Mickey Harte’s tenure as Derry’s boss had an air of drama about it from the start. His task was simple, yet complicated – win over the Derry supporters. However, the erratic performances symbolised by Odhrán Lynch’s scrambles set the tone for what was to come.
The Tyrone-born Harte led Derry for ten months and 18 intense games, spanning the McKenna Cup, league, and championship. His record – 13 triumphs and five defeats – paints a solid picture.
The team won two out of four competitions; the McKenna Cup and the league title (a first since 2008). Their losers were Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Armagh, and Kerry. Although not an exceptional season, it was far from disastrous in terms of results.
As a Tyrone local at Derry’s helm, Harte needed to prove that he was the right choice. Early season wins appeased most onlookers, yet a sense of doubt lingered beneath the surface. Perhaps, only winning the All-Ireland could’ve written a different ending.
Was Harte at a disadvantage from the beginning? Would a Derry manager’s survival only rely on a league title and a quarter-final exit from the championship? Or was Derry’s disheartening performance and energy deficit throughout the championship too alarming to ignore a need for change?
Rapid and widespread rumours about dissension within the team post the Armagh loss hardly helped. Regardless of the truth, the damage was inflicted. Harte’s time as Derry’s manager had become a spectacle, with the public keenly watching the unfolding drama. An All-Ireland victory could have perhaps been the only alternative ending.
Gossip of Harte stepping down surged last weekend. However, as Derry minors were scheduled for an All-Ireland final against Armagh, any formal announcement appeared to be intentionally delayed until Monday.
In his parting comments, Harte refrained from expressing the real reasons behind his decision to step down. However, it is speculated that there was a thirst for change within the team. Having displayed determination and self-belief through his later years with Tyrone, Harte’s decision to step down from Derry after a single season implies that he sensed a strong desire for change within the group.
Given the unpredictable approach of the county board last year when they lured Harte away from Louth, it seems unlikely that Derry’s officials were planning to oust him. Therefore, if Harte’s decision was driven by his perception that the players were not fully supportive of him, it is at least tidier that the brief connections were severed ahead of time.
So what’s next for Derry? Locally, most prospective successor discussions eventually lead to the possibility of Rory Gallagher returning. Although his coaching methods are still highly respected by the players, there are many factors to consider before such a step is taken.
Malachy O’Rourke is another clear choice. He was considered last year, but declined the offer as he felt he had some “unfinished business” with Glen – specifically winning an All-Ireland club title, which he has now accomplished. O’Rourke continues to manage Glen.
Damian McErlain’s notably successful tenure as Derry minor manager has also inevitably linked his name to a return to the senior position, although it is believed he may instead take over the under-20s team.
For Harte, there isn’t a clear management role at the moment, but his career has always been unpredictable. In less than a fortnight after he ended his stint with Tyrone in November 2020, he became manager of Louth, surprising everyone. His swift exit from Louth was equally unforeseen, marking the start of a saga that concluded at Croke Park on the last day of June.
Before the match between Derry and Kerry that afternoon, Louth took on Donegal. Harte had been instrumental in lifting Louth to a point where they could reach the quarter-finals, but his abrupt departure caused some damage and upset feelings.
Harte had to bear a significant amount of criticism over the past 10 months, both from Derry and even from his own backyard. One cannot help but think that it must have been a tough journey.
It’s a curious coincidence that the championships for Derry and Louth in 2024 concluded simultaneously, in the identical location and at the same phase of the tournament. It leaves one mulling over whether all the turmoil and dramatic episodes were worth the outcome.