John Cleary Stays On as Cork Boss
“John Cleary to stay on as Cork football boss for 2 more yrs” after the Cork county committee officially approved his extension at a meeting held on Tuesday night. His initial three-year term ended following Cork’s narrow loss to Dublin in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final on 21 June. However, the decision to keep him on reflects the county’s belief in his leadership and long-term vision.
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A Journey from Interim to Full-Time
Cleary, a well-respected figure from Castlehaven, first stepped into the role in 2022 after Keith Ricken’s departure. Though he initially took over on a temporary basis, his impact quickly led to a full-time appointment. Under his guidance, Cork made back-to-back All-Ireland quarter-final appearances, facing tough opposition in Dublin and Derry.
Struggles and Hopes
In 2024, Cork was knocked out by Louth in the preliminary quarter-final. A similar fate followed this year, despite leading Dublin at halftime. These results show promise, but also highlight the need for greater consistency. Cleary’s next big task will likely be leading Cork to promotion from Division 2 by 2026. His experience and familiarity with the squad could prove essential in achieving this goal.
Eyes on the Munster Championship
Looking ahead, the Munster Championship will bring a new twist. Thanks to a recent decision by the Munster Council, Cork and Kerry will now be placed on opposite sides of the draw. This move came after the top two teams from the previous year’s Allianz Football League were chosen to be seeded. Kerry, as Division 1 champions, and Cork, who finished fifth in Division 2, will both benefit from this structure. Clare, who finished third in Division 3, ranked next in line.
What’s Next for Cork Football
The next two years will be crucial for Cork. Cleary has shown he can build a competitive team, and with more stability and strategic improvements, Cork could be on the rise again. Supporters will be eager to see how he navigates the challenges ahead.
