Ronan McGuckin has taken the radical step of relinquishing his role as Errigal Ciaran manager ahead of their AIB Ulster club SFC quarter-final against his native Ballinderry on November 4.

McGuckin has requested a two-week leave of absence as he's unwilling to plot the downfall of the Derry champions, who his family are synonymous with. His father, Adrian, and uncles all played for the Loughshore club, who retained the Derry SFC title yesterday for the first time since 2002 thanks to a 1-10 to 0-10 victory over Slaughtneil.

Ronan and his brother Adrian were also members of the Ballinderry team that won the All-Ireland club title a decade ago, while his cousin and former Derry star Kevin McGuckin, lined out at full back against Slaughtneil.

The Errigal Ciaran manager told his players after their AIB Ulster club SFC preliminary round victory over Mullahoran yesterday that he would be taking a backseat for the next game. Assistant manager Tommy McDermott will take control of the team in his absence. Tweet

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