Shay Bowen steps down as Erin's Own manager
Shay Bowen, who has stepped down as Erin's Own manager. Picture: Jim Coughlan
Shay Bowen has stepped down as manager of the Erin’s Own senior hurling team after a year in charge.
Having retired from playing after nearly a quarter of a century as the Caherlag side’s first-choice goalkeeper, Bowen was appointed in late 2024 to take charge, having been part of the management as the club’s second team won the county JAHC in 2022.
Bowen, who was between the sticks for Erin’s Own county senior wins of 2006 and 2007 and represented Cork at minor level, had also been involved with the Waterford camogie team in 2018 and 2019, under Donal O’Rourke, who went on to coach the Cork senior hurling team during Pat Ryan’s tenure.
This season, Erin’s Own just missed out on promotion from Division 2 of the RedFM Hurling League on scoring difference after finishing level on points with Midleton and Killeagh.
They scored 18 goals in the league, including five against Fermoy and four against Newtownshandrum, and continued to hunt for green flags in the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC.
Their tally of eight goals in three Group 1 matches was the highest of any club in the round-robin section - unfortunately for them, they also conceded eight as defeats to Glen Rovers, Sarsfields and Fr O’Neills meant they had to contest the relegation play-off.
In the clash against Newtownshandrum on September 21, they were able to find the net, as they struck four goals to build a 12-point lead but their opponents came back to draw, 4-15 to 2-21.
Five nights later, Newtown made the most of their second chance as a 1-19 to 1-15 victory preserved their status and sent Erin’s Own to the senior A grade for 2026.
Erin's Own's place in premier senior will be taken by either Bride Rovers or Castlelyons, who clash on Saturday in their re-arranged final, following last weekend's postponement.
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