Kilshannig's sluggish start this year has resulted in Ned English's departure 

Kilshannig’s sluggish opening to the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 3 Football League has been further complicated by the recent departure of coach Ned English, whose short stint in charge ended after only a few months.

Kilshannig had hoped to build steadily this spring. After winning the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC in 2024 and holding their own last year at Senior A level, they will want to really kick on this year. 

While championship remains the bread and butter, you can’t simply flick a switch when the real stuff begins — those days are gone.

The performance levels haven’t been where they need to be. Kilshannig’s heavy defeat to Kanturk early on was the clearest sign yet of a side still searching for structure and confidence. It proved the smoking gun for English’s departure.

The Avondhu club have played five games, losing three of them though they did beat Rockchapel last Sunday by five points away from home.

RESPECTED

The loss of English is far from ideal, even if it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for either party. A well-travelled and respected figure in Cork and Munster football circles, English has built a reputation over the past three decades as a straight-talking organiser with a knack for raising standards wherever he goes.

His CV stretches across several counties. He previously managed Ballincollig, O’Donovan Rossa and Clyda Rovers, among others, and has been involved with other clubs in Cork, Limerick and Clare. He is widely regarded as a coach who brings sharpness and discipline to any dressing room he enters.

His teams are typically noted for their conditioning, defensive structure and clarity of roles... qualities Kilshannig were hoping to embed this year.

Denis Reen stepped down at the end of last year after two successful seasons at the helm, but it now feels as though Kilshannig are at a vital juncture.

The Avondhu club have the potential to make an impression in the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC this year.

The Glantane-based side will face Éire Óg in their championship group later this year, along with Bishopstown and Clyda Rovers.