Keith Ricken honoured for over 20 years of service to third-level GAA

Cork minor football manager Keith Ricken was honoured in Dublin on Monday for his outstanding contribution to third-level GAA, receiving a special recognition award at the annual Rising Stars Awards ceremony.

Ricken, a stalwart of Cork GAA and a highly respected figure in player development circles, was celebrated for over two decades of service to third-level GAA, particularly through his work with MTU Cork (formerly Cork Institute of Technology).

His commitment to nurturing young talent, both on and off the field, has left an enduring mark.

During his tenure in third-level GAA, Ricken guided MTU Cork during multiple Sigerson Cup campaigns including winning the competition in 2009 and played a central role in supporting generations of student-athletes balancing academic and sporting demands.

His philosophy has always been focused on developing players as people first, something he has also carried into his inter-county roles.

The St Vincent's clubman is currently the Student Services manager at MTU Cork. He transitioned into this broader administrative leadership role in June 2022 after spending over two decades as the university's GAA Development Officer.

In addition to his involvement with MTU Cork, Ricken has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of Cork footballers. After previously managing the county’s U20 side to All-Ireland glory in 2019, he had a brief spell as senior boss before taking over as minor manager in 2024.

Last month, he steered the young Rebels to early-season silverware after seeing off Louth in the Leinster Development League final.

The Rising Stars Awards, held annually to celebrate excellence across the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup, Fitzgibbon Cup, and other third-level competitions, also recognised the country’s best student footballers and hurlers over the past season.

UCC had four players in the Team of the Year after making the Sigerson Cup final where they lost to UL. They were Clonakilty’s Dan Peet, Liam Evans of Keel, Ruairí Murphy from Listry and Carbery Rangers’ Ciarán Santry.