Barry O'Hagan to remain in charge of Armagh U20 squad in 2027
Barry O'Hagan, the former Armagh All-Ireland winner, has confirmed he will continue in his role as manager of the Orchard U20 squad in 2027, following early success with Belleek Erne Gaels in Fermanagh.
Despite his involvement with club football in Fermanagh, former Armagh All-Ireland winner Barry O’ Hagan will still be in charge of the Orchard U20 squad in 2027. The Lurgan native has encountered early success in his new managerial role with
Belleek Erne Gaels steering them to their third Fermanagh SFC in succession by defeating Derrygonnelly in the final. The Armagh GAA legend successfully made the transition from playing at the highest tier of Gaelic football to managing championship winning teams.
Before shifting focus to club football in Fermanagh, O’Hagan spent five years in charge of Armagh U20 development squad.
He was appointed Erne Gaels manager in May 2026, inheriting a side that had won consecutive titles under former Donegal All-Ireland winner Declan Bonner.
The former Clan na Gael great likened taking over the back-to-back champions to “coming in after Alex Ferguson” due to the sheer weight of expectation.
Following the 1-21 to 1-12 win over Derrygonnelly, O’Hagan admitted to feeling major pressure to deliver. He joked that critics would have blamed him if the historic three-in-a-row bid had failed.
Known a ‘Bumpy’ he played senior inter-county football with Armagh for a a decade (1993-2003) making his league debut against Kerry. He famously came out of retirement under manager Joe Kernan to feature as a substitute in the 2002 All-Ireland Final, where Armagh won their historic first-ever Sam Maguire Cup.
He also served as a player -manager with the Clans and later turned out for Naomh Colmcille after moving to Newtowncunningham, Donegal, over 20 years ago.