Frank Kelleher returns to Cork City as senior women’s manager 

Frank Kelleher is back in the dug-out at Turner’s Cross, with the coach confirmed as the new manager of Cork City FC Women.

The UEFA Pro-Licence holder was in charge from 2015 to 2018, and he famously led the club to a victory over DLR Waves in the 2017 Women’s FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.

The coach replaces Danny Murphy, who left the club last December after signing a two year contract with the club just three months beforehand.

Kelleher is expected to build on City’s 2024 season, a year that saw the team finish 8th in the Women’s Premier Division and reach the semi-finals of the Women’s FAI Cup for the first time since 2020.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Kelleher said: “Cork City is a club I am very passionate about, and I am absolutely thrilled to be back. 

"We have some really talented players at the club, and I am looking forward to working with them. I know that there is a real desire at the club for our senior women’s team to continue to grow, and I look forward to playing my part in that.

“We have just about two months to go until the first league game of the season, so I am looking forward to getting to know the players and helping them to prepare for the upcoming campaign. 

"As a group, I know that they want to push on, and I will be doing my utmost to help them to do so. 

"They are a very good and talented group of players, and hopefully we can have a good season.” 

Cork City FC owner, Dermot Usher, said: “Having spoken to Frank, we are very excited for his vision for the Women’s side. 

"He has a vast knowledge of women’s football, both locally and nationally, and he knows the club well. 

"His managerial record in the women’s game speaks for itself, and I think he will be a really good fit for us.” 

Kelleher’s second stint in charge of Cork City will begin with a game with Peamount United in the Women’s Premier Division on March 8th at Greenogue at 5pm.  

His first home game will be against Sligo on March 15th.

The coach knows the league and the players, he personally oversaw the development of Republic of Ireland internationals Claire Shine and Saoirse Noonan.

Kelleher, in addition to winning the Women’s FAI Cup in 2017, also managed the team to mid-table finishes on two separate occasions.

This is the second announcement by the club this week, and it follows the appointment of Barry Ryan as the U19s manager.

The coach made his name known by leading Presentation Thurles to five national titles, and he was in charge of a Munster Schools squad that won to back-to-back Inter Pro successes in 2021 and 2022.