Ricken adds Keane to management team
NEW Cork football manager Keith Ricken has recruited Peter Keane’s younger brother as part of his management team. Ricken, a late entrant to the race to succeed Ronan McCarthy, was confirmed as the Rebels’ new manager yesterday on a two-year term and made an immediate splash by revealing that Ray Keane, the younger brother of the former Kerry manager, would be part of his team. Keane, who is based in Cork, has built up a coaching relationship with Ricken at the Munster Technology Institute where the latter serves as GAA development officer. It means that Keane will be in the opposition side-line to Jack O’Connor — the man who replaced his brother as Kerry boss — should Munster’s Old Firm clash in next year’s championship. Ricken’s appointment, despite his late entrance to a list that is reported to have had seven applicants, had been anticipated on the strength of his record at under-20 level over the past three seasons, winning the All-Ireland in 2019 and following up with a Munster title success this year. Several of that All-Ireland winning under-20 team have already made the step-up to senior level, including All-Star nominee Sean Meehan, Brian Hartnett, Colm O’Callaghan, Cathail O’Mahony, and Damien Gore. Previously, he led Munster IT — then known as Cork IT — to a historic Sigerson Cup win in 2009, while he has also managed his home club St Vincent’s on the two occasions to the county intermediate championship. Apart from Keane, Ricken has also named former county stars James Lough and Micheál Ó Cróinín, along with Des Cullinane and Barry Corkery on his management team. A coach is expected to be named in the coming days.