New coaching duo McIver and McClorey bring wealth of experience to Down U20 panel

FORMER Derry and Donegal manager Brian McIver and St Mochta’s manager Kevin McClorey have joined the Down U20 backroom team and will work with joint-managers Neil Coulter and Paul McCartan who guided the team to the All-Ireland ‘B’ final last season.

Ardboe clubman McIver brings massive experience to his new role. The former teacher guided Ballinderry Shamrocks to the All-Ireland title in 2002 and led Donegal to the National League title in 2007. He was part of James McCartan’s backroom team when Down reached the 2010 All-Ireland final, narrowly missing out on the Sam Maguire after defeat to Cork.

He subsequently managed Derry, guiding the county to a National League final in 2014, and had three years as the Oak Leaf county’s Director of Football. McIver has also worked with Fermanagh and Kilcoo as well as his native Ardboe.

Former Mayobridge player McClorey stepped up from coach to manager of Louth club St Mochta’s this season and guided the Louth Village outfit to the brink of a first-ever senior title. A late two-point free secured a draw for St Mochta’s against Newtown Blues and the replay will be on Saturday.

Niall Kane and Liam Doyle stepped down from their coaching roles with their county’s U20 side at the end of last season due to work commitments. Down will begin pre-season training in November.