Kerry camogie management team departs after All-Ireland semi-final defeat

John Madden said he has "no doubt" that Kerry "will be winning more trophies in the years ahead".

John Madden initially took over as Kerry camogie manager on an interim basis in 2025. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Kerry camogie manager John Madden and his selectors Aidan Boyle and Jerry Wallace have stepped down in the wake of the Kingdom's defeat to Laois in the All-Ireland intermediate semi-final.

Madden, a Causeway clubman, took over on an interim basis in 2025 when Bryan Darcy stepped away on the eve of Kerry’s final must win league game against Derry in late March. He continued as manager and steered Kerry to last year's All-Ireland Intermediate final in Croke Park, where they narrowly lost to Offaly.

Along with reaching the All-Ireland semi-final this season, Kerry also won the Division 2A league title, earning promotion to 1B for 2027.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be involved with Kerry Camogie and that bunch of players, serious, serious girls, each and every one of them, for the commitment they gave," said Madden.

"People don’t see the work they put in year after year, but they are as committed as any other senior team in the county - male or female. They turn up to all training sessions and give it their all. They are phenomenal in their hunger for work and ferocious competitors on the field. 

"It was disappointing not to reach the All-Ireland final this year but it was a good year in terms of gaining promotion from Division 2 up to Division 1 and no doubt next year, they will drive on. 

"I would like to say thanks to the players, my backroom team, the media and to the Camogie County Board for giving me the opportunity of coming in and hopefully helping to push things further up the ladder. 

"I have no doubt that they will be winning more trophies in the years ahead and I will be there, cheering them all the way."

Kerry Camogie expressed their gratitude to the departing management team, which also included strength and conditioning coach John Barry.

“Kerry Camogie wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank John Madden, Aidan Boyle, and Jerry Wallace, who have decided not to seek a renewal of their term as the Kerry Intermediate Camogie management team," read a statement.

"While we are sorry to see John, Aidan, and Jerry leave, we are immensely grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment they brought to the role. Their leadership, passion, and belief in this group of players have helped drive Kerry Camogie to unprecedented success and have left a lasting legacy.

"During John's tenure as manager, this Kerry intermediate team continued to make history. In 2025, they reached the county’s first-ever All-Ireland Intermediate Championship Semi-Final before progressing to an historic All-Ireland Intermediate Final, where they produced a tremendous performance and were narrowly defeated by Offaly.

"Returning this season with their sights firmly set on success, the management team ensured the squad was exceptionally well prepared. Their hard work and meticulous planning were rewarded with the National League title in the spring, before another outstanding Championship campaign saw Kerry once again reach the All-Ireland Intermediate Semi-Final.

"Although the journey ended at the semi-final stage this year after a tough loss to Laois, the players and management can be immensely proud of what they have achieved together. They have represented Kerry with distinction, commitment, and determination, inspiring the next generation of camogie players throughout the county.” 

Kerry Camogie chairperson Anne Marie Russell added: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside John, Aidan, and Jerry throughout the past two seasons. On behalf of Kerry Camogie, I would like to sincerely thank them for their dedication, commitment, and professionalism."