Latest news with #ColinHealy
Irish Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Skorts-gate finally over as sanity prevails
Hallelujah, skorts-gate is over. 'After 121 years, it only took the Camogie Association a little under half an hour to make history at Croke Park on Thursday night,' writes Gordon Manning, 98 per cent of the Special Congress delegates backing a motion allowing players the choice of wearing shorts or skorts. Gordon's mission, should he choose to accept it, is to track down the two per cent and ask 'what were ye thinking?' Joe Canning is wondering what the Cork hurlers were thinking when they played Limerick last weekend . Were they playing 'a long game', keeping their powder dry until they, possibly, meet Limerick again in the championship? If so, 'that is a risky business,' says Joe, 'if they don't beat Waterford at home on Sunday their season is over'. Mathew Costello is hoping there's plenty left in Meath's season yet , Gordon talking to the forward ahead of the start of his county's round-robin campaign at home to Cork in Navan on Saturday. In soccer, Gavin Cummiskey hears Colin Healy stand by his charge that the FAI's outgoing chief football officer Marc Canham and its chief executive David Courell lied about the nature of his departure from his role as assistant coach to the Republic of Ireland women's team. READ MORE Gavin also talked with new Shelbourne CEO Tomás 'Mossy' Quinn , the Dublin All-Ireland winner who, having switched football codes, is now trying to guide the club through the challenges ahead, among them ensuring Tolka Park meets Champions League standards. In rugby, former Irish captain Ciarán Fitzgerald tells Gerry Thornley about the 'Spirit of Garbally' campaign , the aim to ensure that the name of his famous alma mater is incorporated in to the title of the new amalgamated Ballinasloe schools, Ardscoil Mhuire and St Joseph's College, Garbally Park. For now, it is to be known as Clonfert College. Gerry also has news that Leinster plan on hosting this season's URC final at Croke Park ... if – and it's a big one – they actually reach the final. First they have to negotiate a passage past Scarlets in the quarter-finals and, if successful, whoever they might meet in the last four. Johnny Watterson, meanwhile, brings us the grim tale of the 'Enhanced Games', a sporting freak show with a cast of drugged-up athletes , which are scheduled to take place in Las Vegas next year. 'A poorly designed drug trial with no ethical oversight, it will,' he writes, 'be a ripping success if the athletes do better than Barnum's belugas and some don't die.' Shane Stokes has the latest from the Rás Tailteann , Cycling Ulster's Odhrán Doogan slipping in to the yellow jersey on Thursday, while Brian O'Connor retraces the story of the redevelopment of the Curragh . 'It is a modern facility, which, by most measures, is lovely to look at. It is also, by most measures, predominantly unloved.' TV Watch : Following Wednesday's 124-run victory, Ireland play the West Indies in the second of their three-match one day international series in Clontarf (TNT Sports 1 from 10.30am). Kerry and Cork meet in this evening's Munster minor football final (TG4, 7.30) and St Patrick's Athletic host Waterford in the Premier Division (Virgin Media Two, 7.45).
Irish Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Colin Healy doubles down on claims he was told he would be kept on as assistant coach to national women's team
Colin Healy has accused the FAI's outgoing chief football officer Marc Canham and its chief executive David Courell of lying about his departure as assistant coach to the Republic of Ireland women's team . Healy was assistant coach from September 2023 to last December, when his contract was not renewed following the defeat to Wales in the Euro 2025 play-offs. Healy and his agent Graham Barrett claim that Canham had 'verbally assured' them before the play-off that Healy would continue in his job unless Ireland were 'hammered' by Wales. This assurance had prompted the 45-year-old to turn down an offer to manage the Cobh Ramblers men's team. READ MORE Canham has repeatedly stated that no assurances were given to Healy or Barrett. Courell claims that Healy 'misinterpreted' a text message that the CEO sent on December 12th, the day after his contract ended, that suggested the FAI would have been open to retaining the coach if not for a job offer from Kerry FC. 'That's not true,' Healy said this week. [ FAI continues to deny Colin Healy claims over contract renewal ] Healy also said that no bereavement support was offered by the FAI board or leadership following the death of his wife Kelly in April last year. 'When Kelly passed I had text messages here and there, but other than that, [nothing]. We [subsequently] got an apology for that,' Healy said. 'The only [FAI] support I had was from Eileen Gleeson and the [coaching] staff and the players.' On December 11th last year Canham told Healy, during a four-minute phone conversation, that his contract was not being renewed. Healy said that Courell texted him the following day to indicate that he would have been welcomed back to the FAI if he did not have a job offer from Kerry FC. 'I got a text from David that they were hoping I would continue. After the year that I had, the [Ireland] job suited my family [Healy has two children, Arran (20) and Holly (13)]. I could do a lot of work from home [when not in camp for internationals].' The FAI CEO has repeatedly claimed that you 'misinterpreted' his text, what's your response to that? 'That's not true.' When the Kerry job first came up, late last year, is it credible to suggest Courell believed you were leaving the FAI to manage the first-division club? 'We'd spoken to them, but I wasn't leaving the FAI to go to the Kerry job. That was never the case.' What did Canham say to you initially about keeping your job? 'Cobh Ramblers were interested and they had offered me a contract. When I spoke to Cobh – I got permission from the FAI – they knew my contract was up after the Wales game. It was close to home so it made sense, but I was given assurances that we would be staying on. I was talked out of going to Cobh.' By Canham? 'Yes, and by Eileen Gleeson , who was fully sure we were going to be staying on. I enjoyed my time working with the team at the FAI, so I turned down the [Cobh] job. It was a two-year contract around the corner from my house. I was led to believe I was going to be staying on.' Eileen Gleeson and Colin Healy before the UEFA European women's qualifier play-off final second leg game against Wales last December. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/INPHO How did Canham convey those assurances? 'Bar a hammering against Wales [in Euro 2025 play-off], when [the board] might have to make a decision, they were happy with what we were doing.' Did he use the phrase 'bar a hammering'? 'Yeah, 'bar a hammering'.' [Canham denies this exchange happened.] Do you think Canham always planned to replace you and Gleeson with Carla Ward and Alan Mahon? 'I don't know. I had work elsewhere, and I was [dissuaded] from doing it. That's wrong in any line of work. We had a difficult year. I have to look after two kids and I'm out of work. I think it's wrong.' When and how did Canham relay the news? 'December 11th. A four-minute phone call. I was the assistant coach of the national team. Would you not bring me up to Dublin and sit down, have a conversation? I didn't have to go back [after Kelly died in April]. I could have stayed off the whole year and said I'm not ready. But I went back for the players, for the staff, and I went back for myself. I don't think they showed too much respect for that.' Was there any reason from Canham as to why they let you go? 'He told me it was the board's decision.' Courell's text referred to an offer from Kerry? 'We were speaking to one or two clubs, but at the time the kids were the most important thing and I wasn't in any shape to take a [new] role at that time. Holly is still in school and I wanted to stay with the FAI. I wanted to stay with the team.' What was your reaction to Canham saying no 'verbal assurances' were made and Courell saying you 'misinterpreted' his text at the Carla Ward unveiling on January 16th? 'I was a bit upset by it. Not surprised.' They were not telling the truth? 'No.' What specifically? 'They said I 'misinterpreted' what they said. It was on television, so everybody sees it. They said it was a football decision that I wasn't [offered a contract renewal], but why did the CEO, in his text, say that he was hoping for me to continue? I found that very strange.' Do you feel let down by the FAI? 'I travelled the world with Ireland. I captained the under-21s. Played senior. Did all my coaching badges with [Ireland under-19s coach] Tom Mohan. The FAI have done so much for me, and I had some great years, but to leave the way it happened hurt.' Would you have confidence in Courell's ability to lead the FAI? 'That is a hard question. I probably won't answer that one.' Considering the past year, did the FAI's handling of your situation surprise you? 'It did surprise me, it really did, because it is the highest level. I think they have to change. Whenever I was releasing players at Cork City or when I was released as a player, you are sat down and given the reason why you are released. It is not text messages or calls. It is face-to-face conversations. Mistakes were made. The way I have been treated is a lack of respect.' How difficult was it to go public? 'It was very difficult for my kids. They were upset as well, from what happened. Holly used to go to the matches and she loved it. That was all taken away from her.' How are the kids doing? 'Good days and bad days, isn't there. I am up [in Dublin] doing this and Arran is at home minding Holly. We made that decision together that I would go back to work. I used to go away with the Irish team for 12 days and the two kids were at home by themselves. The house is quiet.'
Irish Examiner
06-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
'I'm very grateful to get back to work' says Colin Healy as life at Kerry FC begins
Colin Healy says Kerry FC strategic project and the timing of the opportunity were defining factors in him picking the option for his football return. Although Premier Division Waterford approached him about his managerial vacancy, and an opportunity arose of returning to Cork City as assistant, he's taken a leap of faith with the First Division strugglers. A contentious three-point deduction has left them level with Athlone Town at the foot of the second tier but Healy is emphasising the bigger picture in his selection criteria. That is reflected in him signing a long-term contract to become full-time manager of a team composed primarily of part-time players. A cash injection of €1.5m by new owner, US-based Kerryman John Wall, at the start of the season is being invested across the club's six teams, cascading to Academy level. Healy has mapped out how he intends progressing a club whose senior team is less than three years in existence, deciding this was the challenge to mark his comeback. He decided to take a break from the game in the aftermath of the FAI releasing himself and Eileen Gleeson as the Ireland women's management team in December. Circumstances around that exit are moot, with conflicting reports between Healy and the FAI over alleged promises of his deal being extended regardless of how their Euro playoff unravelled. Lower seeds Wales denied Ireland a second successive tournament by winning 3-2 over two legs. The 45-year-old was unwilling to delve into the details of the episode at his unveiling in Tralee on Tuesday, preferring to keep the focus on his new employers. Initial talks with Kerry FC didn't result in him starting the season in charge but he's onboard now, with Conor McCarthy stepping back as boss to remain as part of the new manager's backroom staff. Personal factors contributed to the delay. The passing of his wife Kelly in April 2024 means Healy is a lone parent of his two children and their welfare was uppermost in choosing a home/work balance. 'When I left the Ireland women's team, there were conversations with other clubs but I've two kids and couldn't make any quick decisions without speaking to them,' explained the former Ireland midfielder, whose previous club job was managing his hometown club Cork City for almost three years. 'I didn't want to agree to something and then three months down the line thinking I can't do it because I needed to look after my daughter or son. New Kerry FC manager Colin Healy poses for a portrait at the club grounds at Mounthawk Park in Tralee, Kerry. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile 'But I'm ready to go and this will be full-on. I had my five months off but had to get back to work for myself. 'Kerry is a club that's growing very quickly and this excites me. I'm very grateful to get back to work and see where it takes us. 'I spoke to a few people but this project excites me. I don't live too far away from me and that was a big part. I've got two kids so one thing that drew me here apart from the football was how close the driving distance is. 'I was with the Irish team and loved my time but I feel like I'm a manager. I had opportunities to become assistant with other clubs but I wanted to manage. 'From sitting down with Billy (Dennehy) for a few hours I wanted to be part of. It's great to get back out there working with young players. I had good relationships with young players at Cork who've moved on to good things, such as Josh Honohan, Jake O'Brien and David Harrington. I get a real buzz out of that. 'This project will take time but pressure is part of management. Hopefully we can get a good crowd for Friday's home game against Treaty United and keep moving up the table.' Dennehy, this season the club's chief executive after starting as coach, was a former teammate of Healy's at both Sunderland and Cork City. 'Creating a football club in Kerry is different to anywhere in the world,' the Kerryman said about the short history, including the withdrawal of original owner Brian Ainscough, who switched his stake to Dundalk. 'When John Wall reached out, the stars aligned in many ways. There was a real understanding of who we are and what we want to do. 'We wanted to learn from other clubs going through various ownerships and then fluctuating across their divisions. 'John's involvement allowed us the security to plan long-term but didn't change who we were. We didn't rush out and bring in loads of players on big contracts. 'There was a roadmap of who wanted and Colin was ideal for that. 'I got the sense that he wanted to build a club that we can bring the community with us.'
Irish Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Colin Healy is back in football after landing League of Ireland job
Colin Healy is back in football after being appointed manager of First Division side Kerry FC. He succeeds Conor McCarthy, who at 26 was the youngest manager in the League of Ireland. But McCarthy will remain at the club as part of Healy's backroom team. Healy said: 'I'm very grateful for the opportunity and feel so hungry to get going.' Ex-Ireland international Healy was most recently part of the Irish women senior team's coaching staff, but his exit from the FAI was shrouded in controversy. Following Ireland's Euro 2025 playoff defeat to Wales, the FAI decided not to renew Eileen Gleeson's contract as manager. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Assistant boss Healy claimed he had assurances from the FAI that he would remain on the ticket under the next manager, but the FAI denied this. He also said he turned down the Cobh Ramblers job to stay with the women's team, on the understanding he was going to be kept on. Healy, who later made a formal complaint to the FAI, has been through an extraordinarily difficult time personally, following the death of his wife Kelly last April. Various figures in the game - including Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley - were strongly critical of the FAI for their handling of the Healy situation. But Kerry FC have today moved for the former Celtic, Sunderland, Ipswich Town and Cork City midfielder, appointing him as their manager with immediate effect. In a statement, Kerry FC said: 'Colin Healy is a highly respected figure in Irish football and brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion. That perfectly aligns with the club's long-term vision, core values, and commitment to striving for excellence.' Of his move, Healy said: 'The last year has been the toughest of my life since losing my wife, Kelly. During that time, my main focus has been to help my two young children cope with the loss of their mother and help them find some form of normality. 'On behalf of my family, I would sincerely like to thank every person who has supported me privately and publicly.' Healy continued: 'Kerry is a very special sporting county, and the club has made incredible strides over the past few years. During our conversations, Billy Dennehy's passion and unwavering dedication to the continued growth of the game in Kerry has been so impressive. 'In combination with John Wall's support, I believe Kerry FC are at the beginning of a very special journey. I will do everything I can to help build on the exceptional work which has already been done at the club.' Former Kerry boss McCarthy will be joining Healy's staff, and the rest of the coaching ticket remains unchanged. Outgoing boss McCarthy said: 'Working alongside Colin Healy will be an invaluable experience, and I look forward to contributing to the club's success in a new capacity.' Kerry FC chief executive Billy Dennehy was a Cork City team-mate of Healy's in 2014 and 2015 and said: 'Colin's appointment marks a significant step in our short history. Colin's vast experience and understanding of what it takes to build a successful club made him the clear choice to help us climb this mountain of Irish football.' Healy's first game in charge will be this Friday's Munster derby clash with Limerick rivals Treaty United at Mounthawk Park.
RTÉ News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Colin Healy takes the managerial reins at Kerry FC
Former Cork City boss and Republic of Ireland women's assistant coach Colin Healy has been appointed as manager of Kerry FC. The 45-year-old succeeds Conor McCarthy at the helm of the Tralee-based side, who are ninth in the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division after last Friday's 1-0 win at UCD, with Kerry FC CEO Billy Dennehy saying that Healy's appointment as first team manager "marks a significant step in our short history". McCarthy, however, will remain at the club as part of Healy's coaching staff - the 26-year-old having become the youngest League of Ireland manager when he was appointed ahead of the 2024 season. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my coaching development at Kerry FC. Working alongside Colin Healy will be an invaluable experience, and I look forward to contributing to the club's success in a new capacity," McCarthy said. Speaking after being announced as manager, Healy said he was keen to build on the progress made at Kerry in what is their third season at senior League of Ireland level. "The last year has been the toughest of my life since losing my wife, Kelly. During that time, my main focus has been to help my two young children cope with the loss of their mother and help them find some form of normality," said the former Celtic, Sunderland, Ipswich and Cork City midfielder. "On behalf of my family, I would sincerely like to thank every person who has supported me privately and publicly. "Kerry is a very special sporting county, and the club has made incredible strides over the past few years. "During our conversations, Billy Dennehy's passion and unwavering dedication to the continued growth of the game in Kerry has been so impressive. In combination with John Wall's support, I believe Kerry FC are at the beginning of a very special journey, and I will do everything I can to help build on the exceptional work which has already been done at the club. I am very grateful for the opportunity and feel so hungry to get going." Healy's appointment at Kerry marks his first role since his time in the Ireland women's senior set-up came to an end. The Corkman had criticised the process in which he was removed from the assistant manager's role, claiming he had been informed just weeks before the decision that there would be a recommendation that his contract be extended.
