WHILE Carbery Rangers are on the look-out for a new senior football manager, Clonakilty and Newcestown will have continuity heading into 2026.

Both Clon boss Martin O’Brien and Newcestown manager Jim O’Sullivan have confirmed that they will remain in their respective positions for next season, as both clubs bid to make an impact in the premier senior grade.

O’Brien will remain at the helm of Clonakilty for a fourth season, and plans to add to his management team, as Clon look to be the team that breaks the stranglehold of The Big Three of St Finbarr’s, Nemo Rangers and Castlehaven. This season Clonakilty were knocked out at the group stage so will be keen to, at least, better that next season.

Newcestown have received a timely boost, too, with the confirmation that Jim O’Sullivan is staying on as football manager. Their run to the last four was one of the stories of this year’s premier senior football championship as they beat Castlehaven on the way before losing a semi-final epic to Nemo. The challenge for Newcestown, a dual premier senior club, is to back up their strong football showing again next year.

With the 2026 county championship draws to be made on Tuesday, December 9th, before the county convention, thoughts will soon turn towards next season. For Carbery Rangers, relegated to senior A, they will have a new manager in charge in 2026 as Seamus Hayes has decided to step aside.

Former county-winning Rangers forward Hayes had the reins for the past three years, but feels the time is right to hand the baton over to the next person. The Rosscarbery team will line out in the senior A grade after their relegation from the top tier. They will be one of three Carbery teams in senior A, alongside Dohenys and O’Donovan Rossa.