Keane departs Clare hot seat after one season

Peter Keane has stepped down from managing the Clare senior football team after one season in charge.

The Banner were again Munster runners-up this year under the Kerry man, losing the provincial final by 11 points to his native county, but were beaten by Down, Monaghan and Louth in their three All-Ireland SFC group stage fixtures.

Clare only missed out on a place in the Allianz Football League Division 3 final on score difference.

In a statement issued by the county, Keane said: "It is with regret that I am unable to commit to managing Clare Senior Footballers for the year ahead.

"A combination of factors are influencing my decision, namely growing business demands, plus travel and time challenges.

"I really enjoyed my time working with a great panel of footballers, whose commitment and dedication was first class. Their desire to be better footballers and play for their county at the highest level was exemplary.

"They were both a privilege and a pleasure to train and work with, to manage, represent Clare, playing with pride and I wish them all the very best for the future".

Keane added his "sincere thanks" for his management and backroom team for their "great work and commitment" as well as expressing gratitude for the "wonderful support" of the Clare County Board and Football Supporters Club.

Clare GAA chair Kieran Keating said: "I know from discussing Clare football matters with Peter over the past year that his interest in our cause was genuine and his engagement with our players was always enthusiastic and forthright.

"The logistics of his journey to Clare a number of times a week for the duration of the season proved difficult to manage alongside his business interests and personal/family commitments, and whilst we had sincerely hoped Peter could remain in the manager's role, we accept his decision with the grace he brought to the appointment.

"We will now look to appoint a new manager and management team as soon as practicable to ensure we are prepared and ready for the 2026 season."

The Caherciveen man was appointed in November, having previously managed Kerry from 2019-21, reaching the All-Ireland final in his first year in charge.

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