Former Dreadnoughts manager takes Cavan Gaels reins

Deposed senior kings Cavan Gaels will have a new man at the helm in 2011 after the club confirmed that Newtownbutler clubman Darren Chapman is to take up the managerial reins. The move has come as a shock to many in the county as Chapman – who was among the favourites for the Fermanagh manager's position which was recently given to John O'Neill - was in charge of one of the Cavan Gaels' greatest rivals in senior football, Mullahoran Dreadnoughts, in 2010. “Darren brought Newtownbutler to a senior championship in Fermanagh and trained the Fermanagh Under 21s for the last three years,†stated Cavan Gaels club chairman Johnny O'Hanlon. “He was also a contender for the Fermanagh senior job.†O'Hanlon confirmed that Chapman approached the club some weeks ago expressing an interest in the job. He was one of four candidates to be interviewed. Along with Chapman as manager, fellow Fermanagh man Declan McStravick has come on board as team trainer. “The committee were very keen to get it sorted before our AGM on Saturday night,†said the chairman. Chapman will take over from Gareth Coyle, who wore the bainisteoir bib at Terry Coyle Park for last season. The goal, said O'Hanlon, is to regain the Oliver Plunkett Cup. “Obviously, our clear target for next year is to win back the senior title,†he said, “fellas are very sore after losing it this year and hopefully the hunger will be there to knuckle down.†Meanwhile, Ciaran Macken has been ratified as Castlerahan's senior manager for 2011. Longford native Macken has enjoyed success in the past with his home club Dromard and more recently with Ramor United Under 21s.