'I really enjoyed my time': Manager of Clare Senior Football team departs after one season

Peter Keane is stepping down from his role as manager of the Clare senior football team after just one season. 

The Kerry native, who issued a statement on Sunday with Clare GAA, cited that "a combination of factors" influenced this decision, such as "growing business demands plus travel and time challenges." 

A former footballer himself, Mr Keane said: "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 highest level was exemplary."

He expressed "sincere thanks" to both management and backroom teams for their "great work and commitment" through the past season, also giving gratitude to the officers of Clare County Board and Football Supporters Club for their "wonderful support" since his appointment in November 2024. 

The businessman gave special thanks to his wife, Siobhán and their children. 

"Finally, I wish to sincerely thank all the players on the Clare Senior Football Panel for their total commitment, positive attitude and dedication. 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. Go raibh mile maith agaibh agus gach rath ar imreoirí peile an Chláir," Mr Keane concluded. 

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In the joint statement, Deirdre Murphy, Head of Operations at Clare GAA said: "Peter had established an excellent rapport with our players, the County Board and everyone associated with the Clare Senior Football team. While we are disappointed to be planning for 2026 without him, we sincerely thank Peter for all the effort he put into his role as manager during 2025 and similar appreciation to all that worked with him." 

Also commenting on the surprise departure was the Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating.

He said: "I would like to express my thanks to Peter for the professionalism and dedication he brought to the role, to follow on from the encouraging development of our Senior Football Panel by his predecessors, Mark Fitzgerald and Colm Collins. 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 fortright.

"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."

Clare were the Munster runners-up again this year under Mr Keane's management and lost the provincial final by 11 points to Kerry. The team were beaten by Down, Monaghan and Louth in three All-Ireland Senior Football Championships group stage fixtures.