McCarthy takes over as Cork football boss on a three-year term

RONAN McCarthy will replace Peadar Healy as Cork football boss after being appointed on a three-year term.

The Douglas native was in the running previously, having worked as a selector with Conor Counihan in 2013, and then Brian Cuthbert in 2014-'15, but was overlooked in favour of Healy. His stock has risen in the meantime however, having guided Carbery Rangers to their first county title last year.

He faces a huge task to overhaul Cork's fortunes, even if they pushed Mayo all the way this summer in the qualifiers, given their series of disappointing displays in recent years, and they haven't made the last four since 2012. 

McCarthy played at the top level for the Rebels, including the 1999 All-Ireland final, and works as a principal in Glanmire Community College principal.

He won two Munster medals and a league title in Rebel red and was a member of the 1991 All-Ireland winning Cork minors. He also coached his native Douglas to a county final in 2008.

He will appoint his management team in the coming days, and this will be announced in due course.

County Chairman Gerard Lane said: “The experience Ronan has at club and county level made him an ideal choice for this demanding role. He has been immersed in club and county football since his playing days ended and is well qualified to take this position. On behalf of everyone associated with Cork GAA, I would like to wish Ronan every success in his new role, and we all look forward to a successful period ahead.”