HE RETIRED FROM playing on the last day of August but confirmation arrived last night of a new role for Karl Lacey with the Donegal senior footballers next season.
Declan Bonner was appointed last month as Donegal boss for his second stint in charge as he replaces Rory Gallagher, and he has brought Lacey on board with him in a coaching capacity.
Bonner’s backroom team was ratified last night at a county committee meeting in Ballybofey with Donegal Sport Hub revealing the identity of those that will work alongside him.
Lacey claimed the 2012 Footballer of the Year award after Donegal’s triumphant All-Ireland season and he also won four All-Stars during his career.
He is a standout addition to the new setup which also includes John McElholm as the team trainer. The Tyrone native has won a MacRory Cup with Derry side St Mary’s Magherafelt and a Tyrone senior football title with Killyclogher.
Speaking to The42 last week, 1992 Donegal All-Ireland winning boss Brian McEniff praised the addition of Lacey to the coaching setup.
“Karl Lacey is an excellent choice by Declan Bonner for his backroom staff.
“I brought Karl into the Donegal set-up just out of the minors. Even from an early stage, you could see the capacity that he had to understand the game, read the game and contribute.
“He’s just a hell of a good reader of the game and a good guy as well. He’s an excellent choice for Declan, they’ll do very well together.”
Since then he steered the Donegal minor side to the Ulster title in 2014 before they lost the All-Ireland decider to Kerry and this year claimed an EirGrid Ulster U21 crown as Donegal manager.
Bonner takes charge on a three-year term, having previously managed the county between 1998 and 2000.
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