AFL star Mark Keane training with the Cork senior footballers

Cork senior football manager John Cleary has confirmed that Mark Keane is training with his side.

The Mitchelstown native is currently at home on holidays for a number of weeks and is involved with the Rebels as they gear up for the new season that’s just around the corner. Keane will return to Australia next month.

Cork face Tipperary in the opening round of the McGrath Cup on Tuesday, January 6 in Templetuohy. The real stuff starts later that month when Cavan come to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first game in the Allianz Division 2 Football League.

That one takes place on Sunday, January 25.

Keane, who played in defence this year, was one of the key players on his Adelaide Crows team helping them to the minor premiership. It’s awarded to the team that finishes first in the league standings after the regular campaign.

The 25-year-old, who has previously represented Cork in both football and hurling, moved to Australia in 2019, where he signed for Collingwood.

After two years with them and also a brief return to Ireland which included that famous late winning goal for Cork against Kerry in the 2020 Munster SFC semi-final, Keane signed with Adelaide Crows in 2023.

Cleary was speaking to the media for the final time this year on Wednesday. A lengthy interview with the Castlehaven clubman will appear on EchoLive tomorrow.