Benny Coulter is the new Down minor football manager after being ratified at an executive meeting on Monday night.
The Mayobridge native takes over from Patrick Cunningham, who was in the role for the last seasons.
Coulter, who picked up an All-Star in 2010 following Down’s surprise run to the All-Ireland SFC final, is currently in charge of Down Intermediate side Rostrevor.
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They opened their Championship account with a win over Liatroim last month and will face Clann na Banna in round 2A on Thursday night.
Once Rostrevor’s season is over, Coulter will turn his attention to reviving the fortunes of the Down minors.
Regarded as one of the most gifted forwards of a generation, Coulter played in the 1999 Ulster and All-Ireland winning team.
Down won the Minor All-Ireland in 2005 via the Qualifiers and they haven’t won a provincial title at the grade since ’99.
Coulters backroom team will include current Down star Darren O’Hagan (Clonduff), former Down panellist Donal O’Hare (Burren) as well as Castlewellan’s Martin McKibben.
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