Latest news with #PeterKeane
RTÉ News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Paul Madden succeeds Peter Keane as Clare football manager
Paul Madden has succeeded Peter Keane as Clare football manager, with the Ennis man taking charge on a three-year term. Keane departed from the role earlier this week after just a season in charge where the Banner were again Munster runners-up this year under the Kerry man, losing the provincial final by 11 points to his native county, and beaten by Down, Monaghan and Louth in their three All-Ireland SFC group stage fixtures. Madden led Éire Og to three Clare senior football championship titles during his time in charge of the club.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Managerial merry-go-round hits double digits once again
Peter Keane's decision to step down as Clare manager on Sunday guarantees that the number of new managers that will be on the sideline for the start of the 2026 Allianz Football League has moved into double figures – a trend that has become increasingly regular. It's now the fourth season in a row that 10-plus new managers have stepped on to the beat. Monday evening saw Dermot McCabe being confirmed as new Cavan manager, an appointment that now sees Westmeath on the lookout for someone new, while Andy Moran, subject to ratification, is poised to take the reins in Mayo. There is still a question mark in Kerry, where Jack O'Connor, albeit unconvincingly, hinted that his time may be at an end after winning yet another Sam Maguire with the Kingdom. There were five new management teams in 2021, but that jumped to 10 the following season, a massive 14 in 2023, 10 in 2024 and 11.5 last year – if we include Mickey Harte's addition in Offaly to an already-in-place Declan Kelly as a half point. For next season, Derry, Dublin, Louth and Sligo have already joined Mayo and Cavan in making the change while Clare, Antrim, Roscommon and Waterford are still on the hunt, with Westmeath now added to that list. The days of long-serving managers may not be truly over – Kieran McGeeney is set to embark on a 12th season as Armagh boss – but that really feels like the exception to the rule in the modern game. Sean Boylan's 23 years in charge of Meath lives in GAA infamy while Mickey Harte chalked up 18 years as Tyrone manager, but in a sign of the new environment, the latter has now been in charge of three other counties (Louth, Derry and Offaly) in just five seasons. The 'whys' are plentiful, the most oft cited reason by departing managers tending to be "increasing work commitments" in their exit statements. That was the case for Keane in his weekend departure as he stated: "A combination of factors are influencing my decision, namely growing business demands, plus travel and time challenges." It remains unclear whether the Munster Council's decision to seed their provincial championship based on AFL positions - a call that has riled a quartet of counties - played a part in the Kerry man's call. Player power has reared its head in this off-season too while for some, like Tony McEntee at Sligo, the project just comes to a natural conclusion – although he is hoping to extend his stay in Connacht having been linked heavily with the vacant Mayo position. Leitrim manager Steven Poacher is preparing for his second season in charge out west with the Connacht outfit and, for him, the increasing stresses of the game are the root cause for most switches. "I was talking to a manager there after one of our Tailteann Cup games and he said he's never experienced pressure like it," Poacher told RTÉ Sport. "He said even the media responsibilities, we're not media trained but you have a national broadcaster sticking a microphone in your face right after a match. "There's a whole new level of scrutiny as well now with social media, every empty vessel can make a noise now. "It's a hugely, hugely pressurised situation, it really is, and I'd say a lot of it is down to that." Perhaps going against the perceived belief that struggling teams change it up more often, the turnover rate between Division 1 and 4 hasn't been as stark as some might expect. Since that double-digit run of change began in 2022, the top tier has had nine new management teams and the bottom division 10. In 2025, Division 1 will have at least three fresh faces – Dublin, Mayo and Roscommon - one in Division 2 - and currently two in Division 4. Commitment levels seem extreme no matter where you are positioned in the food chain. Speaking in the Gaelic Life recently, former Cavan boss Mattie McGleenan gave an insight into why it's becoming more a short-term stint. "The average backroom team these days is about 20 to 25 people. You have to manage two teams, you've a backroom team to coordinate, and a football team to coordinate. It's clearly a full-time operation. "The old saying goes that the pressure is a privilege, but it can only be a privilege if you actually have the time. "I'm a teacher and when I was over Cavan, I'd leave school around 4.30pm and be back around midnight – and that was on a good night." Poacher also reiterated that point, and the Down native understands why the management game at inter-county level has a shorter life-span. "People don't actually understand the actual complexity of putting together a management team as well as a playing squad, so you're actually managing two groups," he said. "Our backroom team is pretty small but we still have 15 people in it, a whole range of people, and then the players on top of that. "You're also dealing with the county board on a regular basis and a lot of it is actually managing the situation rather than coaching the team and that's where you need a really strong coaching group around you to share the load." With those pressures not going to subside any time soon, the managerial churn and burn looks unlikely to slow down.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Peter Keane steps down as Clare senior football manager
Peter Keane has stepped down as manager of the Clare senior footballers after one season in charge. In a statement shared by Clare GAA on Sunday, the Kerryman said 'a combination of factors' had influenced his decision, 'namely growing business demands, plus travel and time challenges'. Keane was appointed to the role last October, succeeding his county man Mark Fitzgerald, who had filled the role for one season. Prior to Fitzgerald, Colm Collins had spent a decade in charge of the Banner footballers. This season, Clare reached a third successive Munster final, again falling to Kerry in the decider on May 4th. In the All-Ireland series, the Banner were drawn in Group 3, in which they suffered defeats to Down, Monaghan and Louth to see them out of the championship. READ MORE 'I really enjoyed my time working with a great panel of footballers, whose commitment and dedication was first class,' Keane's statement on his departure read. 'Their desire to be better footballers and play for their county at the highest level was exemplary.' Keane thanked his management and backroom teams for their work and commitment over the past season, and the players 'for their total commitment, positive attitude, and dedication', wishing them 'the very best for the future'. Clare GAA chairman Kieran Keating expressed his thanks to Keane 'for the professionalism and dedication he brought to the role, to follow on from the encouraging development of our senior football panel by his predecessors'. 'I know from discussing Clare football matter with Peter over the past year that his interest in our cause was genuine and his engagement with our players was always enthusiastic and forthright,' Keating added. 'The logistics of his journey to Clare a number of times a week for the duration of the season proved difficult to manage alongside his business interests and personal/family commitments, and whilst we had sincerely hoped Peter could remain in the manager's role, we accept his decision with the grace he brought to the appointment.' Keating concluded the county will now look to appoint Keane's replacement 'as soon as practicable to ensure we are prepared and ready for the 2026 season'.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Peter Keane gives reasons for leaving Clare football hot-seat after one season
Peter Keane has become the 10th inter-county football team manager to step down after Clare confirmed he is leaving his role after one season. Kerryman Keane put his decision down to growing business demands and time and travel challenges, but perhaps the decision by the Munster Council to revert to a seeding system for Cork and Kerry for next year's championship was also a factor. Keane, who previously managed Kerry for three seasons, took over from Mark Fitzgerald last November and guided Clare to third in Division 3 of the NFL, with score difference preventing the Banner from being promoted despite victories over Kildare and Offaly, who were promoted. They reached the Munster final by beating Tipperary and were beaten 4-20 to 0-21 in the provincial decider, then lost all three All-Ireland group games to Down, Monaghan and Louth. Keane had told members of the panel who met him a fortnight ago that the travel involved from his Cahirsiveen home was a big issue 'It is with regret that I am unable to commit to managing Clare senior footballers for the year ahead," said Keane in a statement released by Clare GAA. "A combination of factors are influencing my decision, namely growing business demands, plus travel and time challenges. 'I really enjoyed my time working with a great panel of footballers, whose commitment and dedication was first class. Their desire to be better footballers and play for their county at highest level was exemplary. Peter Keane and Down manager Conor Laverty shake hands at the final whistle after Clare's defeat in Ennis in the All-Ireland SFC group series (Image: ©INPHO/Natasha Barton) 'I express my sincere thanks to my management and backroom teams for their great work and commitment of the past season, also to the officers of Clare county board and football supporters club for their wonderful support throughout the season. I'm also grateful for the unwavering support of my wife Siobhan and children. 'Finally, I wish to sincerely thank all the players on the Clare senior football panel for their total commitment, positive attitude, and dedication. They were both a privilege and a pleasure to train and work with, to manage, represent Clare playing with pride and I wish them all the very best for the future.' Clare chairperson Kieran Keating reacted: 'I know from discussing Clare football matters with Peter over the past year that his interest in our cause was genuine and his engagement with our players was always enthusiastic and forthright. 'The logistics of his journey to Clare a number of times a week for the duration of the season proved difficult to manage alongside his business interests and personal/family commitments, and whilst we had sincerely hoped Peter could remain in the manager's role, we accept his decision with the grace he brought to the appointment. 'We will now look to appoint a new manager and management team as soon as practicable to ensure we are prepared and ready for the 2026 season.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Irish Times
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Louth take the spoils in Portlaoise to see Clare out of the championship
All-Ireland SFC: Louth 2-17 Clare 2-14 Louth punched their away day ticket for next weekend's preliminary quarter finals after a nervy win over Clare in Portlaoise. The win was a much needed one nonetheless for the Leinster champions. In the do-or-die battle, Ger Brennan's side needed that knockout focus not to exit the championship without a win after their Leinster final success. Munster finalists Clare on the other hand were left without a victory in the All-Ireland group stages after nine attempts. Despite being competitive throughout and the manner in which the Banner pushed Louth all the way, Peter Keane's side could not recover from a Louth blitz in the opening half. READ MORE With Louth back to grips after a terrific Clare start, Manus Doherty was black carded for a foul on Craig Lennon and with that Louth proceeded to outscore the Banner 2-4 to 0-1 in that period. Louth smelt blood and Ciaran Downey and Sam Mulroy went for the jugular with first-half goals. The damage done. The midfield pairing of Dara McDonnell and Tommy Durnin gave them a solid platform and Lennon's positioning further up the field helped Louth find their groove and realign their season. Craig Lennon in action for Louth. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Clare were competitive, particularly through Mark McInerney, but not threatening until the frantic finish. Emmet McMahon and McInerney landed late points to make it 2-8 to 0-6 at the half-time whistle. Confidence tangled with belief is a funny thing. Rory McMahon ticked both boxes when the cornerback fired home for the first score of the second half. That allowed Clare to stay in the game and gave them a sense the result they needed wasn't beyond their grasp. Despite the draw being sufficient for Louth to advance it played on their minds as Clare went for broke. Sam Mulroy landed two from beyond the arc, one from a free, to stretch the lead at times but there was a lack of fluency as a result. The Banner brought the energy and when veteran Eoin Cleary found the net he cut the gap to four. With minutes remaining, Louth tried to control things and struggled to halt Clare's momentum. But with substitute Conor Branigan's two-point impact off the bench either side of Cleary's heroic effort Louth's fine season continues for another week at least. LOUTH: N McDonnell; D McKenny, E Carolan, D Corcoran; C McKeever, P Lynch, D Nally; D McDonnell, T Durnin; C Grimes (0-0-1), C Downey (1-1-3), C Lennon (0-0-1), C Keenan, S Mulroy (1-2-2, 1tpf, 2f), R Burns (0-0-1). Subs: R Walsh (0-0-1) for Lennon (32 mins), C Branigan (0-0-2) for Grimes, D McConnon for Keenan (both 53), A Williams for Burns, T Markey for McDonnell (both 65), K McArdle for Downey (68). CLARE: S Ryan (0-0-1, 1f): M Doherty, R Lanigan, R McMahon (1-0-0); C Rouine, A Sweeney, I Ugwueru; B McNamara (0-0-1), D Walsh; D Coughlan, E McMahon (0-0-2), C Meaney; A Griffin (0-0-1), E Cleary (1-0-2), M McInerney (0-0-6, 3f). Subs: S Griffin for Meaney (24 mins), B Rouine for Walsh (50), J Stack for Sweeney (59), K Sexton (0-0-1) for Cleary (64), C Downes for McMahon (67). Referee: B Tiernan (Dublin).
