Conleith Gilligan helps Edendork St Malachy’s reach Ulster SFC semi-final
Conleith Gilligan, the Armagh backroom team member, has been praised for his tactical influence on Edendork St Malachy’s as they prepare to face Crossmaglen Rangers in the Ulster SFC semi-final on Sunday November 22 in Newry.
Top GAA coach Conleith Gilligan has added another string to his bow through his involvement with Tyrone club Edendork St Malachy’s.
The Derry native fondly known as “Deets”and who is Kieran McGeeney’s second in command in Armagh has proven that Edendork’s maiden championship title was no mere flash in the pan. On Sunday November 22 in Newry they will contest the Ulster SFC semi-final against Crossmaglen Rangers having edged past Antrim champions St Brigid’s at quarter-final stage.
Since joining the Armagh set-up at the start of the 2024 season Gilligan has sampled both All-Ireland and Ulster honours.
Under his fellow Derry native Mickey Moran, he coached Down side Kilcoo to their first ever All-Ireland club title, an achievement he had managed as a player with his club Ballinderry, some twenty years previous.
Despite only having retired from club football in 2018 the former Derry star forward has been experiencing notable coaching success. Two years later he helped Naomh Chonaill to a Donegal title.
Following his departure from Kilcoo, Gilligan was appointed Edendork manager in 2023, returning this year as part of their backroom team as a coach, helping guide the club to their first-ever Tyrone SFC crown and an Ulster semi-final clash with Crossmaglen Rangers.
Edendork manager Brian McGuckin and captain Conor Mallon have publicly praised Gilligan’s tactical influence on the squad.
At inter-county level, Gilligan remains a core member of Armagh’s backroom team heading into the 2027 season , serving alongside Ciaran McKeever and Denis Holywood.
Since joining Armagh, noted for their ultra-defensive approach, he has transformed them more effectively in attacking play which was key to their run in Ulster this year, winning the Anglo-Celt for the first time since 2008.