McEniff, currently the county chairman, was ratified by the Donegal county board executive during a meeting at Ballybofey.

It will be the McEniff's sixth time in the hot seat as Donegal finally fill the void left by Mickey Moran.

McEniff's appointment brings to an end the long and arduous search for a manager following Moran's sudden departure after completing the second of a three-year term.

It's going to be difficult, because it will take a lot of my time out of my business concerns Brian McEniff

McEniff has had five previous spells as Donegal supremo and lead them to the All-Ireland title in 1992.

The Bundoran hotelier is set for a busy time by combining the manager's role alongside the important chairman's post.

But he believes that he will be able to manage both with a little bit of hard work.

''It's going to be difficult, because it will take a lot of my time out of my business concerns,'' said McEniff.

''But looking at it now, the season is played over one calendar year.

''That means six or seven months, so you could say that I will be able to survive it.

Preparation

''It means that I will be giving GAA in Donegal three or four days a week, and obviously I will have to take that on board.

''It won't be easy. Hopefully, though, we can now draw a line over the 2002 season and I believe that things are looking good for the future.''

McEniff takes the senior squad to the Canaries in the New Year to prepare for their McKenna Cup opener against Cavan on 12 January.