McCabe joins McMenamin in Gallagher’s Erne backroom team

THE incoming Fermanagh manager Rory Gallagher has made a number of additions to an interesting-looking backroom team ahead of their 2018 season.

Having been appointed on a three-year term over a fortnight ago, Gallagher pulled a rabbit out of the hat by announcing that former Tyrone defender and three-time All-Ireland winner Ryan McMenamin would be coming in as a selector.

However, the recent Fermanagh county board meeting heard that former county player Shane McCabe will also become part of the set-up.

Belcoo clubman McCabe enjoyed a lengthy Irish League soccer career with Ballinamallard, Dungannon, Portadown and Glenavon, the highlight being the Irish League title with Glentoran in 2008.

McCabe has little experience in coaching, but in recent years coached a Fermanagh Milk Cup side in soccer, while he acquired a strength and conditioning qualification at the renowned Setanta College.

Another addition is Gallagher’s brother Ronan, who is expected to be the new goalkeeping coach.

He kept goals for Fermanagh between 2002 and 2014, and won a host of Antrim senior titles and Ulster club titles with St Gall’s, reaching the pinnacle alongside Rory when they won the All-Ireland club title in 2010.

Ronan Gallagher has been at the coalface more recently in the club scene, managing Magherafelt in Derry and Madden in Armagh.

Leon Carters, who made a strong reputation as strength and conditioning coach under Pete McGrath, has agreed to come back in for the new set-up in 2018.