Francie Martin
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
FRANCIE Martin has been appointed as the new manager of Naomh Colmcille.
The Glenfin man had recently stepped down from his native club after five years at the helm. Having been on the radar of a number of clubs his appointment is seen as a coup for the Newtowncunningham club.
Martin takes over at Pairc Colmcille following the departure of James Cullen, who has parted ways having been at the helm since succeeding Joe Higgins earlier this year.
Martin met with the players on Thursday night last and will be aiming to continue their development of recent years.
The junior champions of 2010, Naomh Colmcille have been in two Intermediate semi-finals in the last three years, losing out in replays in both instances, to Naomh Columba in 2011 and Aodh Ruadh in 2012.
The club narrowly missed out on a place in the promotion play-offs in Division 3 in 2013.
Martin’s Glenfin side contested a Senior Championship semi-final in 2011 and he has a noted track record at senior level, where he had a hugely successful stint at Glenswilly. Indeed, it is he who is apportioned with a large slice of the credit for their rise through Donegal football’s ranks, having led them to an Intermediate title in 2005 and their first ever senior final in 2007.
Martin missed out on taking Glenfin into Division 1 when his side were beaten by Termon in a play-off replay this season.
He is a former selector with the Donegal senior footballers having assisted Brian McIver from 2006 to 2008. Following McIver’s departure in 2008, Martin was interviewed for the job.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)