Rathnew happy to reach League final, but Championship remains the focus
Speaking on behalf of the Rathnew management team, Mark Coffey cut an understandably pleased figure after his side booked their place in a Division One final; but he was understated as well, and it's clear he and his fellow management-team members are more focused on the action that will follow this League campaign.
Rathnew topped the table on 15 points, three clear of anyone else and more than enough to book a spot in the final against Éire Óg. Their opponents on Friday night, Baltinglass, will certainly have more man-power available to them in the County Championship, and it's hard to imagine last year's runners-up losing by a dozen points to anyone when the more-serious stuff gets underway. Coffey was keen to emphasis that.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cork coach Kevin Walsh's intentions becoming clear as John Cleary looks to 2026
Kevin Walsh is set to continue coaching the Cork footballers for another season. The former Galway and Sligo boss has worked under manager John Cleary for the past three seasons and all indications are that he will stay in the role for the 2026 campaign, reports. Cleary completed a three-year term with this year's All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final defeat to Dublin having initially taken on the role on a caretaker basis during the 2022 season after incumbent Keith Ricken took ill. He was handed a fresh two-year term last week despite the team failing to kick on having exited at the preliminary quarter-final stage for the second successive season after reaching the last eight in 2023. However, there were some signs of encouragement, particularly in the Munster semi-final against Kerry, which the eventual champions went on to win after extra time, while Cork were in the ascendancy for much of that preliminary quarter-final against Dublin before slipping to a three-point defeat. The acquisition of Walsh was seen as something of a coup for Cleary given how he had progressed Sligo and particularly his native Galway during his spells in as manager in both counties, though the length of the commute has raised questions as to how sustainable it would be for the two-time All-Ireland winning midfielder, whose services would be in demand closer to home. However, it appears as though the management team is remaining largely intact as Cork gear up for another season in Division Two next year. Along with Walsh, Cleary also had Micheál Ó Cróinín, James Loughrey, Barry Corkery and Jim O'Donoghue on the ticket. Meanwhile, there is still no firm indication around whether hurling manager Pat Ryan will continue in the job after the devastating All-Ireland final loss to Tipperary. The 16-point defeat last month officially brought his three-year term to a close though it is believed that there is an appetite among the county board executive to grant him another season if he wants it. This year Ryan guided Cork to their first League title since 1998 and bridged a seven-year gap to their last Munster title, but the season has been largely coloured by their spectacular second half collapse in the All-Ireland final, and whether the Sarsfields man is prepared to soldier on in the wake of that disappointment remains to be seen.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Paul Madden replaces Peter Keane as Clare football boss
Paul Madden has been appointed as the new Clare senior football boss. Former Éire Óg Ennis manager Madden replaces Peter Keane after the Kerry native departed the role after only a year in charge of the Banner footballers. Madden has taken the role on for a three-year term, having led Éire Óg to three Clare SFC crowns during his stint in charge of their senior footballers. His backroom team will be confirmed at a later time. The Banner were Munster runners-up this year, losing the provincial final to eventual All-Ireland winners Kerry.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
See photos as Wicklow village hosts sunny annual community day
Wicklow People Today at 09:00 It was the turn of Newtownmountkennedy to host a family fun day last week, with the day of free activities aimed at supporting the Newtown Area Sports Development team and raising awareness of their efforts. The group seeks to develop the established Matt Kelly Community Grounds in the town so that the grounds themselves are fit for serving the sports community and that the space includes facilities like dressing rooms, toilets and storage. Bouncy castles, fun fair games and five-a-side took centre stage on an action-packed day, with donations towards the sports ground project welcomed. They will be hosting a fancy dress spinathon on Saturday, October 25 outside Dunnes Store, and their AGM takes place on Tuesday, September 7 at the Parkview Hotel. An online fundraiser has already raised in excess of €52,000 and can be supported via
