Liam Kearney promoted to Cork City's Director of Football role

New Cork City Director of Football Liam Kearney. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Liam Kearney has been promoted to Director of Football at Cork City as the club look to backfill his Academy Director vacancy with a new recruit.

Kearney was in charge of the club’s academy for the past five-and-a-half years and also stepped into first-team duties during caretaker spells between permanent managers.

The 43-year-old enjoyed a stellar playing career with his hometown club, winning the Premier Division, FAI Cup and Setanta Sports Cup after returning from an apprenticeship at Nottingham Forest.

City haven't had in place a Director of Football since Liam Buckley departed in 2023, although former Sunderland and Leeds United manager Simon Grayson was retained in January as an advisor to the board.

Part of Kearney's new role is identifying and attracting a suitable candidate to become the fourth women’s senior team manager in three years.

“I am delighted to accept this role and firmly believe that there is much I can do as Director of Football to grow the club across all of its teams,” said Kearney.

“I have a long association with this club and care passionately about it.

“My experience with the Academy tells me that this club’s best years are ahead of it, and I look forward to working with the various coaching teams to build on what has been achieved to date.

“I cannot wait to get going, starting with the recruitment process for a new women’s senior manager.” 

Dermot Usher, the majority shareholder of Cork City FC, added: “Liam represents the very best of the club. He enjoys the respect of the players, the management and the entire team.

“I am delighted that he has accepted this role of Director of Football, which is part of our strategy to grow the game both on and off the pitch, to the benefit of all our players and fans.” 

New State funding is available for LOI clubs to recruit an Academy Director and Head of Academy coaching.

The initial panel of personnel was assembled by the FAI, which included ex-City players Johnny Dunleavy and Alan Bennett, but clubs can top up the respective annual grants of €43,500 and €38,500 for the three-year contract employment.