BY CHRIS MCNULTY
RORY Gallagher has officially entered the running for the Donegal job and has been joined by a surprise candidate in the form of Anthony Harkin.
Gallagher’s nomination was forwarded to the county secretary, Aodh Mairtín Ó Fearraigh, ahead of today’s 5pm closing time by the Kilcar club.
Harkin’s named was entered into the race by Ardara.
Gallagher and Harkin join Paddy Carr and Cathal Corey in the bid to succeed Jim McGuinness as manager of the Ulster champions.
Gallagher has remained tight-lipped about the role, but is understood to have spoken to some prospective Backroom team members ahead of interviews which are set to begin next week.
Carr was nominated by Fanad Gaels on Tuesday while Corey was put forward by Naomh Conaill on Thursday.
Carr is a native of Fanad who has managed Louth, Kilmacud Crokes and the Meath minors before taking charge of Burren in Down this year. Based in Meath, Carr played for Donegal in the 1980 Ulster Championship.
Corey is a former manager of Naomh Conaill. As joint manager with McGuinness, Corey helped the Glenties club to the 2009 Donegal SFC final. The Kildress, County Tyrone man was in sole charge in 2010 when Naomh Conaill won the Donegal title and reached the Ulster final.
Harkin is another late entry to the race. The current Coaching Officer in Donegal, he was team trainer when Donegal won the All-Ireland in 1992.
Gallagher was number 2 to McGuinness for the first three of his four years in the post.
The 36-year-old Fermanagh man is based in Killybegs and is the current joint manager of the Kilcar senior team with John McNulty.
The county executive will finalise the selection committee at its meeting on Monday night.
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