KIERAN KINGSTON WILL step down as Cork senior hurling manager after informing the county board that he will not be seeking a further term in the role.
It had previously been expected that, despite a disappointing All-Ireland quarter-final exit to Galway a fortnight ago, Kingston would keep the reins into 2023.
However, Cork GAA confirmed this evening that Kingston would instead step away from the role, expressing their wish to “sincerely acknowledge Kieran’s years of dedication across a whole range of positions, including the roles of player, selector, coach and of course, manager.”
Cork say they will immediately begin the process to find his successor.
Tracton man Kingston initially served as selector (2012-2013) and coach (2014) under Jimmy Barry-Murphy before being appointed the Leesiders’ manager for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He returned to the same role for three further seasons in 2020.
As pointed out in Cork’s statement, Kingston has been present on the line — as selector and manager — for Cork’s only two All-Ireland appearances of the last 16 years, in 2013 and 2021.
He also coached and managed The Rebels to Munster success in 2014 and 2017.
“The incredible contribution of Kieran’s backroom team over the past three years is also acknowledged”, read Cork’s statement, “and while the success that all deserved may not have followed, they can hold their heads high, knowing that they served their county well.”
Cork GAA chairman Marc Sheehan said: “Kieran’s commitment to his duties as Cork senior hurling manager knew no bounds and the time devoted in a voluntary capacity was immeasurable.
He carried the role in a dignified manner at all times, fully understanding of the importance of his position. We wish him well in his future endeavours and have no doubt that he will continue to make a significant contribution to Cork hurling long into the future.
Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan added: “Looking across the past decade, one has to recognise the indelible mark that Kieran has left on our senior hurling team, overseeing what has been a difficult transition at times, with the introduction of a whole wave of young and exciting talent.
Indeed, there is no doubt that, given the number of players who made their debuts under Kieran, he departs safe in the knowledge that he has left Cork hurling in a healthy state.
“We thank his family, particularly his wife Ellen, for their support also.”
Fair play to Kieran Kingston he worked very hard for cork hurling and felt he could do no more i wish him the very best in the future.
@Kevin: The trouble with Cork is their inconsistency. Some cracking performances followed by a dismal performance on the next day out, like it’s a different team. Renowned for their fearless attitude towards other teams and their never say die attitude, but they often lack the ability, skill and cool-headedness to come back into a game once it gets away from them. For years Cork had a revolving door for players giving a year or two, instead of nurturing a team to bring them on – the team we see today is finally starting to get more consistent, intercounty experienced, and a glimmer of hope that there may be something on the cards for Cork in the next few years.
Liam Sheedy would be worth talking to possibly
@O’Rahilly David: He would but it will be Davy Fitz
@Gerry k: No chance
@Gerry k: Nooooo. I’m from Clare. Definitely not Davy
@Gerry k: dear God no
@Mary O’leary: Davy already a coach with Cork senior camogie – not a huge leap to go across
@O’Rahilly David: he has the job got
@Elaine Hayes: good girl Elaine. Silly comment
@Gerry k: Davy Fitz for Cork ?! Lol !!!
Best wishes for the future
Funny year, everyone expected cork/Waterford to meet Limerick in a all Ireland…both completely underperformed…then Clare blew everyone away but flopped yesterday…now it’s kk v Limerick .
Cork probably could do with a new voice plenty of skillful hurler’s..need to learn how to tackle and who knows
@Matthew Delaney: don’t think too many people outside of Cork expected them to be anywhere near an all ireland after last year’s final hiding
@Michael McGrath: wasn’t too many in Cork expecting it either Mick.
Davy would be colourful and the journey with him interesting …but he is not from Cork nor never played for Cork (e.g John Myler from Wexford but transferred to Cork). I reckon Cork County Board will try and recruit a cork man
Thank you Kieran. You tried your best and left a good group behind you. Mile Buiochas!
Davy Fitz next up!
@Tom Dineen: He’ll not be long emptying their coffers
News to be sure… but not big enough news to have a push notification for it
@David Duignan: any news related to Cork is push notification level importance Dave, everyone knows that!
Davy just wet himself
What’s Jurling ??
@qwerty: Junior hurling…..would be higher quality than what you saw today generally but the lads playing it wouldn’t be in the same condition!
Davy definitely
Cork never had a coach outside the county. Well the male’s that is