Douglas football management steps down

It will be all change for the Douglas footballers in 2025.

With a number of players heading abroad for next year, the city club will also have a new manager and coach after Brian Collins and Paul Holland left their respective positions. Selectors, Daithí Curtin, Dave McSweeney and Willie Coveney have also stepped down.

Collins was in charge for two seasons, guiding Douglas to the quarter-final of the Premier SFC in 2023, but the team struggled this year with the win over Mallow in the final group game avoiding a relegation play-off.

Holland came in before the start of this season and was seen as a coup for the club. The Blarney native previously trained Valley Rovers and Clonakilty to name just a couple and was also a selector with the Cork minor footballers in 2014 and 2015. Holland would have been confident of getting a tune out of a talented Douglas side, but it never truly came together.

Mallow's Peadar Hennessy is tackled by Douglas' Shane Aherne during the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC at Grenagh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

There was an expectation that Holland would remain involved in some capacity in 2025, but he has now moved on. He is the new performance coach of the Cork minor footballers under Keith Ricken.

Douglas have flattered to deceive in the top grade of the Cork football championship for quiet some time despite success at minor and U21 levels. The city side won the IFC in 1997 but have only reached one final in the SFC (now Premier SFC) and that was in 2008 when they lost to rivals Nemo Rangers.

The southside club have always underage talent coming through with their second team winning the City JAFC this year before losing to a strong Kilmacabea outfit in the county quarter-final.

Douglas have had a lot of experienced and talented management teams over the years as the process to appoint a new manager has already begun.

Elsewhere, Bantry Blues are on the lookout for a new manager after David O’Donovan stepped down as boss in the last few days.

He took over the team before the 2022 campaign as Bantry Blues looked to bounce back from relegation from the Senior A football grade in 2021.

Former Bantry Blues manager David O’Donovan. Picture: Martin Walsh

The famous West Cork club were close to returning to the senior ranks on two occasions but lost the PIFC finals in 2022 and 2023 to Kanturk and Cill na Martra respectively.

While Bantry Blues were well beaten by Kanturk on a scoreline of 3-11 to 1-10, the team in blue and white would have had regrets with how the 2023 decider panned out.

They lost to Cill na Martra by a single point, 3-11 to 2-13. They had overturned a six-point deficit to lead by three points with six minutes to go but Cill na Martra hit the last four points to win the game.

Bantry Blues were one of the fancied sides for the competition once again in 2024 but lost out to Iveleary at the quarter-final stage, 3-10 to 0-13.

While it did end in disappointment in what would turn out to be O’Donovan's final game in charge, he made a considerable impression during his three seasons with the club. The former Bandon coach, who he guided to IFC glory in 2016, was held in high esteem by Bantry Blues.

In a statement on social media, Bantry Blues chairman Arthur Coakley thanked the outgoing manager for his efforts.

“Bantry Blues would like to extend our gratitude to David O’Donovan and his management team for all their commitment over the past three seasons. As we announce the departure of David from his role as manager, we look back with appreciation on his three impactful years at Bantry Blues.

Bantry Blues' Mark Óg O'Sullivan wins the ball from Kilshannig's Killian O'Connell and Alan O'Connell during the PIFC semi-final in 2023. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

“During his tenure, David’s leadership and commitment helped bring some memorable days to Bantry Blues supporters, during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns managing Bantry to back-to-back county finals.

“Thank you, David, for your immense contribution to Bantry Blues GAA. Your impact on the club will be remembered by players and supporters alike and we wish you well in your future endeavours.” Coakley concluded.

Bantry have a proud history. They were kingpins of Cork football in 1995 and 1998 and were runners-up in 1909, 1981 and 2001. With a nice mix of youth and experience, the team will look to finally get over the line next year in the PIFC.

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