Johnny Crowley to stay on as Sars hurling manager for fifth season

County-winning bainisteoir was also at the helm for two years in 2010-'11

Sarsfields manager Johnny Crowley on the line against at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Dan Linehan

Thu, 12 Nov, 2026 - 10:25

Eoghan Cormican

Three-time Cork SHC winning manager Johnny Crowley will continue as Sars hurling boss into next year.

2027 will represent the fifth year of Crowley’s second stint as Sars manager, his first term encompassing the 2010 and ‘11 seasons.

Crowley is responsible for three of Sars’ eight Cork SHC titles, overseeing glory in 2010, 2023, which was the first year of his return to the Riverstown club, and most recently in 2025.

Representing Cork in 2024 as beaten county finalists, on account of Imokilly's ineligibility to go forward into the province, Crowley steered Sars to a famous Munster Club final victory over Ballygunner. They subsequently overcame Slaughtneil to reach a first-ever All-Ireland final, where they fell comprehensively to Na Fianna.

Although Sars claimed a fourth consecutive League crown on the eve of this year’s Cork county championship, their latest back-to-back title defence suffered opening day defeat at the hands of Charleville.

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Injuries were a debilitating theme of their championship campaign and although they again emerged from the group, Sars’ reign as county champions ended with a 4-19 to 1-25 quarter-final defeat to Kanturk.

In demand

Crowley and former Cork full-back Diarmuid O’Sullivan - the latter has been by Crowley’s side since returning as Sars boss - were linked to the Cork U20 hurling post following the end of Noel Furlong’s spell at the helm earlier this year. The gig eventually went to Mallow’s Fergal McCormack.

As reported by the Irish Examiner, there has been sideline change among some of the other leading Premier Senior clubs in Cork. Wayne Sherlock has come in as Blackrock manager, succeeding Jamie Harrington. The All-Ireland winning Cork defender is currently attempting to finalise a coach for the 2027 season.

County champions Glen Rovers are now also hunting a new coach after Donal O’Rourke ended his involvement with the Blackpool club earlier this week. Having “ conquered Everest” in helping the Glen to their first Cork crown in 10 years, former Cork and Waterford coach O’Rourke was content to walk away.