John Cleary takes the reins at Cork as Keith Ricken steps aside for health reasons

The vastly experienced John Cleary will fill the role of Cork senior football manager for the rest of 2022 after Keith Ricken stepped aside for health reasons.

Ricken was appointed Cork SF boss last October and missed the conclusion of the side's Allianz Football League campaign due to illness.

The Rebels cemented their Division Two status with dramatic wins in their last two games over Down and Offaly.

Ricken was appointed manager after an impressive stint in charge of the county's Under-20 side, culminating in an All Ireland title in his first year in charge, and a subsequent Munster title.

But the St Vincent’s clubman will now miss the remainder of the season.

A Cork GAA statement read: "Cork Senior Football manager Keith Ricken has stepped down from the role for the foreseeable future due to health reasons.

"Interim manager John Cleary will fill the role in his absence. We wish Keith a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the sideline."

Cleary was involved as a selector with the Castlehaven football team before taking up a role as Cork senior coach.

The two-time All-Ireland winner has massive pedigree in the game and previously had a very successful reign in charge of the Cork minor ladies football set-up.

He has also managed the Cork U21s to All Ireland glory in 2009 as well as experiencing success with his club Castlehaven.

There are just over three weeks to go until the Leesiders start their Championship campaign.

They face Kerry in a Munster semi-final on May 7, with the venue not yet determined.

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