Nov 16,2024
Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins has departed the club in the wake of last Sunday's Sports Direct FAI Cup final defeat, while midfielder Patrick McEleney has also moved on to join Ballymena United.
The Candystripes lost 2-0 to Drogheda United at the Aviva Stadium, ensuring that they will miss out on European football altogether after a disappointing end to the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season saw them slump to a fourth-place finish.
Confirming Higgins' exit on Friday morning, the club's hierachy said: "Derry City Football Club wish to announce that we have released manager Ruaidhrí Higgins from the remainder of his contract by mutual consent.
"During his tenure, Ruaidhrí has led the club to two FAI cup finals, winning the 2022 competition. The side achieved European qualification each season as well as two second place finishes. European qualification was a particular achievement in his first season having inherited a side that was then bottom of the league.
"The Board of Directors and everyone involved with Derry City Football Club would like to thank Ruaidhrí for all he has done for the club and we wish him and his family every success for the future.
Higgins' contract had been due to run until the end of the 2025 campaign.
The 40-year-old has been at the helm at the club he represented as a player since 2021 and guided Derry to FAI Cup glory in 2022 as well as winning the President's Cup the following year.
In the league, he also led Derry to back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023.
Commenting on his departure, Higgins said he was proud of the high points from his tenure but admitted that the club had fallen short of their 2024 targets.
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"I am proud of all we have achieved together but I cannot deny that 2024 has been disappointing considering we were hoping to complete a domestic double and ultimately fell short," he said.
"I’ve had the privilege of managing some fantastic players. I have no doubt that the group will continue to compete for honours in the seasons ahead."
Just after news of Higgins' departure broke, it was announced that 32-year-old McEleney is off to NIFL Premiership side Ballymena United.
"I want to thank everyone - fans, players and club for everything," he said. "The good times won’t be forgotten and as a Derry City fan, I will be back to support the team."
In other managerial news, Cobh Ramblers have parted company with manager Gary Hunt, this after the Rams finished eight in this season's Men's First Division.
Hunt succeeded Shane Keegan in the role last December and in a statement did point to some of his achievements, when saying: "I'm disappointed not to be able to continue the work we started here, but I wish the club all the best as they move forward. We achieved Cobh’s third-highest points-per-game ratio in the past seven years and integrated ten young academy players into match-day squads throughout the season, something I hope will help the club in the future.
"I’m grateful for the support from the board, my staff, and the players, as well as the incredible welcome from the fans, who truly are the heart of this club."
