James McCarthy did a mighty job as Castlehaven boss

CASTLEHAVEN announced last week that James McCarthy had stepped down as premier senior football manager after a very successful spell in charge of the West Cork club.

McCarthy took over towards the end of 2019 and during his four seasons at the helm, the graph went up and up, and left after guiding the Haven to the top-flight football championship last October, which was the clubs first Andy Scannell trophy in 10 years. Munster glory would follow just over a month later ending a 26-year wait after the team in blue and white defeated Dingle on penalties in an epic decider in atrocious weather conditions at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

The All-Ireland crown would remain elusive, after the team were beaten by four points by St Brigid’s in the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday, January 7. Despite a number of Haven players playing through the pain barrier, the West Cork club died with their boots on and could have easily won it on that particular day, but the defeat wouldn’t take away from what the players achieved during a memorable season.

Speaking to The Echo on the FBD Semple Stadium turf after the loss, McCarthy hinted at what was coming around the corner.

“These lads have been super and I am confident they will continue to give great days to the parish for many years to come. The team has a nice mix of youth and experience. Some fantastic leaders and really talented young lads. I have made up my mind on my future and I’ll talk to the club shortly, four years in charge is a long time, and maybe it’s time for a new voice,” he concluded.

It was clear that the now former Haven boss knew what he wanted to do, but nearly six weeks on there was no white smoke regarding his future. The AGM was held on Wednesday, January 31, and a decision was expected but McCarthy wanted more time to consider his future. It was a big decision, as regardless how much commitment is involved in terms of management nowadays, it’s like a drug, and it was clear that McCarthy still had the hunger and desire even as he walked off the pitch after his side lost to St Brigid’s.

A decision finally arrived yesterday week at 4.10pm when a statement from club secretary Andy Whelton dropped to announce the departure of McCarthy. During his four seasons at the helm, Castlehaven were ultra consistent which was a fair achievement in itself. He took over a team that failed to fire in the 2019 campaign, losing to Fermoy by a point in the opening round, before being defeated after extra time by two points by local rivals Carbery Rangers in the second round. Season done and dusted with the new championship format kicking in the following campaign.

McCarthy brought the Haven to a new standard, bringing in a new batch of young players that freshened up the group while at the same time knocking on the door. The West Cork side reached the county final in the 2020 campaign, but were beaten by Nemo Rangers. The Haven would bounce back to reach the last four in the next two seasons, but St Finbarr’s would prevail on both occasions.

Had the team reached their ceiling? Or could they get up to the next step which is always the toughest. St Finbarr’s were the favourites for the county in 2023, but the Haven would have other ideas. The sides met in the semi-final once more, but it would be third time lucky for the team in blue and white, a sizzling display which resulted in a four-point win before beating Nemo Rangers in the decider. The outpouring of emotion and the celebrations said it all. The 10-year wait for Andy Scannell was over.

McCarthy generally has only remained with a team for two campaigns before passing the baton on, but this spell was different, with Covid and other circumstances. It was worth it from his point of view. McCarthy has been involved on the sideline in three out of the six times the Haven have won the top-flight football championship, 2003, 2012 and 2023. Three different decades. A mighty man and a pleasure to deal with. He departs leaving the team in good nick for a crack at retaining Andy Scannell. 

You can’t ask any more than that.

* Read Barry O'Mahony's big interview with James McCarthy in next Tuesday's paper.