'We'll see what the board wants' — Ger Manley weighs up future after All-Ireland camogie success

Ger Manley has grown accustomed to big days and big demands, but even he admits that 2026 was a rollercoaster. 

The Cork camogie manager guided the county to a second All‑Ireland title in three seasons under his tenure. 

His efforts have earned him the 96FM/C103 Sports Star Award for August, in association with co‑sponsors the Rochestown Park Hotel — an honour he accepts with pride.

“It’s an individual award, but we’re a management team,” he says. 

“I’m delighted, of course, but it’s never just one person. There’s huge work done across the group.

“It was a strange year. Losing to Antrim in the league and still ending up All‑Ireland champions — that shows the resolve that was there. We struggled a bit starting off the year, especially with injuries, but the squad is very talented. 

"As the year went on, we actually had more shots than any team we played. Once championship came around, the attitude improved, the focus sharpened.” 

The turning point arrived in Athenry, where Cork produced one of their best performances of Manley’s tenure to beat Galway away from home — a result that carried significance.

“Without a doubt it was the turning point,” he said. 

“We hadn’t won up there in my time. The competitiveness, the tackling, everything went up a level. That was the first day we really hit the standard we needed. After that, we never looked back.” 

Cork followed that with strong form. The All-Ireland final itself, another meeting with Galway, continued a rivalry that has defined recent years.

“There’s nothing between Cork and Galway,” Manley states. 

“The last three finals have been brilliant games. We beat them in the 2023 semi‑final and that was a catalyst — it took the monkey off our back. Since then we’ve beaten them in big games, but there’s very little in it. 

"The standard of camogie has gone up, and that’s great for everyone.” 

The county’s U23 All-Ireland victory back in May was another important marker, with 17 members of that panel togging out for the senior All-Ireland final.

“U23 is hugely important for developing girls,” he says. 

“Semi‑finals, finals, big games — they learn from that. We used 28 players last year; this year it was closer to 21 or 22 because every game was massive. 

"But the U23 grade gave game time for everyone. It keeps the squad competitive.” 

Manley’s own future is less certain. He was offered an optional extra year by the county board last year, which he took, but his term has now concluded.

“My time is up at the moment. I’ll have to talk to everyone involved and see what the county board wants. They’ve been very supportive. There’s huge talent out there. But we’ll sit down and see what’s best.”

Manley will take charge of the Irish camogie-shinty team against Scotland at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh — an honour he relishes, especially on home soil. It takes place on Saturday, October 24.

“I didn’t expect the call. There’s huge interest this year — nearly 50 players have played trials. It’s brilliant. I played it myself back in 1994 in Edinburgh, and I managed the team last year. 

"It’s a great honour, especially in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.”