Former Cork player Carthach Keane is the new coach of the Éire Óg footballers.
The Newcestown man has built up an impressive CV in recent years having been with the Cork U20 footballers under Bobbie O’Dwyer and Naomh Abán. Prior to that, he was with Tadhg MacCárthaigh.
Cork forward Carthach Keane in action during the All-Ireland U21 football final against Laois in 2007. Picture: Des Barry
Keane helped Naomh Abán to two McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC semi-finals. On both occasions, the Ballyvourney side lost narrowly to Aghabullogue.
His next coaching job will be a step up as Éire Óg look to try and build on reaching the last four of the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC this year. They lost to Cill na Martra in what was Éire Óg’s first campaign back at this grade following demotion last season.
Harry O’Reilly stepped down as boss recently after just one campaign at the helm with Eoin Fehily his successor.
New Éire Óg football manager Eoin Fehily. Picture: Eddie O’Hare
The Ballincollig native has a strong background in soccer having managed a number of teams including Killumney United and Lakewood Athletic.
He has experience of being involved with GAA sides mainly doing their fitness work. He has been involved in the underage section in Éire Óg over the last couple of years.
He’s well known in the local area having run a very successful gym business in Ballincollig for a number of years.
He has come out on top for the managerial role after a thorough interview process.
Éire Óg have a nice age profile and it could be the perfect mix for them in their attempts to win the county in 2026. They will be one of the contenders for the prize.
Darragh Clifford, Éire Óg, breaking away from Ian Walsh of Kanturk. Picture: Dan Linehan
Playing in the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League is also a benefit to them. They did well to avoid the drop this year.
They will find out their championship group stage opponents on Tuesday, December 9 when the draws are made at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.