The loss of Shane Keegan and what it means for the future of Cobh Ramblers

WHEN the whistle was blown for one final time in Cobh Ramblers’ promotion playoff final, it meant defeat in extra time and the end of a special journey.

After a long and gruelling season, Rams’ hearts were broken after losing to Waterford.

They had given absolutely everything, but it just wasn’t to be.

Amid the sadness, there was a sense of hopefulness. A sense of ‘we’ll go again next year; we’ll go all the way this time’.

All along Ramblers had defied expectations, won games they had no right to win, scored goals for fun and given the town of Cobh something that they could really get behind.

There was no reason they couldn’t go the extra mile next year.

PRESERVATION

At the end of the game, when the players and staff returned to the dressing room, Shane Keegan addressed the squad once more – though we didn’t know it would be the final time.

He revealed to me in his post-match interview, that the message he conveyed in the dressing room was one of continuity and stability.

He didn’t want his players to be drawn in by the inevitable big offers that would come in, he wanted to preserve his team.

His argument was that a familiar coaching team, and a comfortable dressing room can be far better for your career and development than a marginal increase in wages, that takes you to a club where you don’t fit in.

And he’s right.

When interviewing the manager a few weeks ago, I asked Shane if retaining his coaching staff was as – if not more important, than keeping the current squad of players.

He replied with; “100% absolutely. We have the perfect makeup there at the moment, a loss of any member of that team, would be a massive blow.” 

We all knew Cobh Ramblers’ future for 2024 was largely dependent on how many of the current crop of players would be retained. Keegan wasn’t worried though. He was confident in being able to keep the bulk of his squad together, which I admired.

At no point did I fear his departure from the club.

In an interview a few weeks ago, I asked him point blank would he be in charge next season. He replied, “It's certainly my intention. It's nothing to do with the board or contract offers or anything like that, it's just purely a case of my own personal circumstances.” 

In hindsight, that’s a hint at potential departure.

But the way he talked about the club, about the plans for next season, and the academy players he wanted to integrate – it sounded to me that he was set on staying, and I imagine it did for the players too.

While there are many factors in Ramblers’ incredible 2023 season, Shane Keegan is the biggest and most significant.

Not only did he turn a disjointed and disorganised squad into a First Division powerhouse, but he also gave the club an identity. He transformed the team, developing a group of players that he got the absolute best out of.

His quality as a manager wasn’t just key on the pitch – it was key off it too.

Shane Keegan made Cobh Ramblers a lucrative destination for incoming signings, and crucially, he ensured the club were in a great position to retain their players for next season.

If you’re a player on that team, why would you want to leave? A positive environment, with a top-class manager – it’s an ideal place to be.

Now, Keegan’s departure has plunged Cobh Ramblers into uncertainty. Many players who were likely to stay or were even on the fence – they will be looking at options elsewhere.

That’s the truth.

Any hopes of a title race in 2024 now look to have vanished before the season has even started.

The importance of Ramblers’ next managerial appointment cannot be overstated. It will play a huge role in the future of the club.

They need a manager who can make Cobh Ramblers an attractive destination, someone who can get results with limited resources, someone who can inspire players.

They need Shane Keegan.