James McCarthy takes over MTU Cork Sigerson Cup team

Wed, 22 Oct, 2025 - 07:30

Barry O'Mahony

Former Castlehaven boss James McCarthy is the new MTU Cork football manager.

He will be overseeing the team's upcoming Sigerson Cup campaign that begins in January, as the Bishopstown outfit look to make a favourable impression.

MTU Cork did reach the quarter-finals in 2023, but have fallen at the Round 3 stage in the last two campaigns.

McCarthy takes over from Buttevant’s Pat Spratt at the helm. On the management ticket with McCarthy are Daniel Cronin of St Mary’s, former Cork minor and U20 football selector, Clonakilty’s Colm Sheehy, Roy Leahy of St Finbarr’s and Brian Kelleher from Glanmire.

The new boss brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. He was a coach with the Cork ladies football team this year under Joe Carroll.

Cork selectors James McCarthy and Ollie Rue O'Sullivan and his son Shane celebrate after defeating Mayo in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC semi-final at Croke Park in 2019. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

McCarthy guided Castlehaven to the top-flight football championship title in 2023 after a two-point win over Nemo Rangers in the final, which ended a 10-year drought for the Andy Scannell Cup.

A couple of months later, the team in blue and white claimed provincial silverware for the first time since 1997 after an incredible win on penalties over Dingle in the decider.

Castlehaven have won the top-tier in Cork seven times with McCarthy involved in some capacity on the sideline in three of those – 2003, 2012 and 2023.

The new MTU Cork boss has also been involved with Cork underage development squads and was a selector with the Cork minor footballers when they won the All-Ireland in 2019 under Bobbie O’Dwyer.

McCarthy is currently a GDC with the Cork County Board.

Cork's Seán Brady breaks from Kerry's Graham O'Sullivan. Brady will be a key player for MTU Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The draws for the Sigerson Cup for next year are expected to take place in December.

MTU Cork have a nice blend with no shortage of inter-county talent. Cork senior footballers Seán Brady and Seán Dore would be the standout names.

Bryan Hayes, Ed Myers, Dara Sheedy, Micheál Maguire, Aaron O’Sullivan, Gearóid Kearney and Conor Dunne are just some of the attacking options that MTU Cork will have.

Trevor Kiely, Sam Copps and Darragh King are just a few of the defensive options.