Cobh Ramblers have been hit by a massive blow after manager Shane Keegan resigned this morning due to work reasons.
Keegan led Ramblers to third place in the First Division and they were only beaten by eventual promotion winner Waterford FC in extra-time in the second tier play-off final.
With the Blues out of the division next year, Ramblers were expected to put it up to county rivals Cork City for a tilt at going up under Keegan's management.
However he has opted to leave the club having been unable to balance the role with the club with his full-time work as Laois GAA's head of games development, as well as family life.
In a statement Ramblers said they had tried to find a way to keep Keegan in charge.
It read: "Cobh Ramblers regret to announce that Shane Keegan has departed from his role as club manager.
"Unfortunately it was not possible for Shane to combine his day role and the demands of the manager’s position at our club. Despite the best efforts of the board to retain Shane it was not possible to find a solution.
"We are deeply disappointed to lose a man who will be always held in huge esteem in Cobh. We wish Shane the very best for the future.
"The club hope to be in a position to appoint a replacement in the coming days."
The former Galway United, Wexford and Dundalk boss left the door open for a possible return one day.
He stated: "Midway through the 2023 season I underwent a substantial promotion in my day job. This promotion resulted in a significant increase in my working hours and my responsibilities.
"While I just about managed to juggle my new role with the demands of League of Ireland management over the rest of the season, it did take a significant toll on all aspects of my life, and would be unsustainable in 2024.
"As I hope you can understand, I have to put my long-term career first and therefore I have regrettably informed the club that I will not be able to continue in my role as first team manager for the 2024 season.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Cobh Ramblers fans for their outstanding support during what was an incredibly enjoyable season.
"As for the players and staff, it was an absolute privilege to spend time on the training ground and share a dressing room with you. I am unlikely to ever experience an environment that betters what we had going this year.
"Finally, I would like to thank the board for their unwavering support since my appointment and I greatly appreciate the efforts they went to to try and make it possible for me to stay on.
"I wish them every success next season and I would love to think that there may be an opportunity for me to be involved in the club again at some point in the future.
"Cobh Ramblers is a fantastic club and I have no doubt that they can continue the progression that we made this season."
