Cork Football Boss John Cleary Secures Two-Year Extension

Cork Football has confirmed the extension of manager John Cleary for an additional two years. The announcement came during the County Board meeting held on October 10, 2023. Cleary, who initially assumed the role in 2022 on an interim basis, has now been at the helm for three consecutive seasons.

Cleary’s tenure has seen both challenges and near successes. Under his leadership, Cork came close to pulling off a significant upset during the summer when they faced the eventual All-Ireland champions, Kerry, in the Munster semi-final. The match ended in extra time, reflecting the competitive spirit of Cleary’s squad. In his first full year as manager, Cork advanced to the All-Ireland quarter-finals but faced setbacks in the preliminary quarter-finals in both 2024 and 2025.

As part of the continuity in leadership, Cleary is expected to present his management team for approval at next month’s meeting of the Cork County Board. This step aims to ensure stability and a clear direction for the team moving forward.

In contrast, there remains uncertainty regarding the future of hurling manager Pat Ryan. The County Board has yet to provide updates on his position, suggesting that an end-of-season review is still in progress.

The retention of John Cleary signifies Cork’s commitment to building on recent performances and striving for greater success in the upcoming seasons. The decision underscores the importance of leadership in achieving athletic goals and fostering team development within the county’s football landscape.