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Cork GAA to propose John Cleary for ratification as senior manager

John Cleary is to be proposed for ratification as Cork senior football manager next month.

John Cleary is to be proposed for ratification as Cork senior football manager next month.

Cork GAA's county executive will propose Castlehaven's John Cleary for ratification as senior football manager on a three year term at a meeting early next month.

Cleary, an All-Ireland winner at club and inter-county level as a player, has made a significant contribution to Cork GAA.

Keith Ricken has stepped down as Cork manager due to health reasons.

Cork GAA chairman Marc Sheehan said: "The county owes Keith a considerable debt for his selfless contribution, despite his off-field challenges. 

"Given his record in MTU and at club level, we have no doubt that he will continue to make a sizeable contribution to Gaelic Games in the county. His reputation as a leader of young men will be further enhanced from his time here."

Cork GAA CEO, Kevin O'Donovan added: "It is a testament to Keith's integrity that in the two most recent management roles in Cork, namely U20 from early 2019 and Senior from late 2021, he turned difficult situations around thanks to his sheer force of nature. 

"His ability to build great teams both on and off the field leaves Cork football in a good place, considering the challenges now faced in restoring it to its rightful place. We thank Caroline, Ava and Max for their selfless contribution also."

Speaking about Cleary, Cork GAA chairman Marc Sheehan said: "John's pedigree speaks for itself and we are grateful that he is stepping up from the role of coach and interim manager in 2022 to take the manager's bib on a full-time basis for the next three years. 

"We are certain that he has all the right credentials to lead and further develop the green shoots of recent months."

Kevin O'Donovan, Cork CEO, is hopeful Cleary can help Cork develop further. "John's graduation to the senior manager's role is long overdue and we are glad that his incredible contribution to football in the county is duly recognised. 

"His experience will be vital in developing the successful underage teams of recent years into established competitors at elite level."