The large proportion of outside managers is worth noting as momentum grows behind moves to phase out the non-native appointments at county and club level. Only four counties – Cork (both codes), Kerry (football), Kilkenny (hurling) and Tipperary (hurling) – can categorically state they have never made an outside appointment. As things stand, in football Laois are the county that have gone the longest – 15 years – without a native manager when Seán Dempsey was in charge. Similarly, current Tyrone manager and Fermanagh native Malachy O’Rourke has been living in Ballygawley for over 30 years. Another man considered domiciled at this stage is Kilmoyley man and former Kerry hurler Christy Walsh in Kilkenny who was appointed their football manager earlier this year.

Source: Irish Examiner December 19, 2025 21:00 UTC