Cork minor selector John McNulty returns to Uibh Laoire hotseat

John McNulty has returned to the Uibh Laoire hotseat after a successful stint last time around.

The Muskerry club have enjoyed great success in recent years winning back-to-back county titles. They won the JAFC in the 2020 season followed a campaign later by the IAFC crown.

McNulty was manager in both of those seasons as he returns to a team who fell short of a third county triumph in as many years. He's currently a selector with the Cork minor footballers under boss Keith Ricken.

Uibh Laoire were pipped at the post by Muskerry rivals Aghabullogue in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh last October.

Aghabullogue hadn’t conceded a goal in the 2025 championship prior to the final and despite netting two goals, Uibh Laoire were denied a replay after Matthew Bradley’s late point.

It was another year though where Uibh Laoire made another bit of progress.

They won promotion from the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 3 Football League and went on to win the title after beating Clyda Rovers in the final.

They will look to go again under McNulty’s reign after the departure of Barry Oldham, who did a solid job during his tenure over the last few years.

The new manager has been able to persuade Niall Allen to remain on as coach, which is great news for the team in red and white.

The Ballincollig native, son of Cork legend John Allen, is going into his fourth season with Uibh Laoire.

Before the championship, they will have to navigate what will be a tough Division 2 League, but they should be well equipped.

First up is away to Premier Senior side St Michael’s on Sunday, March 1.

In their McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC group later this year, Uibh Laoire will once again lock horns with familiar opponents Bantry Blues with Glanmire and Rockchapel also making up a difficult group.

Uibh Laoire will always have a chance especially when they have their star player, Cork senior footballer Chris Óg Jones.

He was the top scorer in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC last year.