Inside Cork football's crisis meeting: 'Board need to come up with a new direction'

While it’s a starting point, Tuesday night's Cork GAA’s county committee meeting was devoted to an open discussion and debate on all aspects of Cork football.

The well attended meeting at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh ran for just over three hours. A number of topics were discussed, from the Cork seniors to adult and U21 competition structures and to underage across minor and the development squads.

A delegate who attended the debate, who wished to remain anonymous, was satisfied with how it went.

“The first thing I must say, it was a constructive meeting. Everybody came to it with a good sense of common approach and wanting to make things better for Cork football. There was no blame culture or no finger pointing. It didn’t get heated and every contribution was taken on board and there was a right to reply.

Cork GAA CEO Kevin O'Donovan. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

“It started with the five-year plan. Kevin O’Donovan went through it in a fairly detailed way in saying what was achieved and what was not achieved. There was feedback to the board that we shouldn’t be sitting down a year after the five-year plan had ended and saying we did that and we didn’t do that.

“You don’t set out a five-year plan with goals, you have to have smart goals that should be reviewed frequently and see what’s working and what’s not working. It wasn't done.

“Niall Twomey, the head of games development officer, defended what they were doing and the development squads and all of that. I don’t think they are delivering and that was agreed by the other delegates. They probably need a review on that and all of the other stuff. It’s probably time for another five-year plan but with more realistic targets.”

As well as discussing the past, the Cork County Board have a busy few weeks and months ahead of them with regards to the Cork football management teams for the 2026 season. John Cleary’s future is uncertain as senior boss, the U20 job is vacant while Keith Ricken has another year with the minors.

Cork senior manager John Cleary after his side's defeat to Dublin last Saturday week at Croke Park. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

“There’s an appointment committee that is being put in place to appoint an U20 football manager and then looking at the senior set-up,” the delegate said.

“There was no one there pushing John Cleary out the door by any means. What was said by delegates was that you might have to look at who’s the very best person available for the job whether that’s inside Cork or outside Cork or whatever.

“The calibre of the management team was also discussed and the way the team played. You have to get the best people involved.

“The board did say that they have further reviews coming up while also looking at the lack of games that are being played at minor football level at inter-county. The board got a lot of feedback and every delegate gave opinions that could help.

“It’s up to the board now to go away and take that feedback and try and work with it and come up with a new direction for Cork football. Action is required. They are aware of that and it was said to them. It’s a pivotal time.”

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