McCullagh steps down as Dromore manager

By Niall Gartland

O’NEILL CUP winning manager Colm McCullagh has decided the time is right to step aside after three years in charge of his native club.

In a statement released yesterday, Dromore paid a glowing tribute to McCullagh and his backroom team – the very men who spearheaded their hugely entertaining run to the Tyrone Senior Championship for the fourth time in their history, culminating in last month’s victory over Coalisland.

The statement said: “The players, committee and supporters for An Droim Mor Naomh Damhnait would like to express our sincerest thanks to the outgoing senior management team of Colm McCullagh, Paddy Montague, Hugh McNulty, Paul McIvor, Kevin O’Brien, Johnny Kelly and Justin Edgar.

“Words cannot express the amount of work and commitment put in by this set up in the last three years, all of which resulted in their tenure presiding over one of the most successful periods in our club’s history.”

The statement continued: “That tenure saw us win a reserve league and championship, a senior league, an Ulster U21 club championship and of course the ultimate prize of the O’Neill cup. All of these men have young families and to give such commitment and time in these circumstances perfectly summarised the love that these men have shown for our club.

“While some of these men take a backseat in the club for a year or two we have no doubt that they will continue to be involved in the continued growth of our club for many years to come.

“The club and community of Dromore will be forever indebted to their efforts and the success and joy they have bought to our parish.”

McCullagh’s success as manager has rubberstamped his status as one of Dromore’s most legendary figures. As player, he was a prominent figure in their three previous championship triumphs in 2007, 2009 and 2011.