Mallow United have officially unveiled the management team that will lead the club’s returning Senior Men’s side into the 2026/27 season.
The club has assembled an experienced coaching ticket featuring former League of Ireland players and coaches, underlining its ambition as it prepares to compete in the Beamish Stout Munster Senior League Second Division.
Leading the side is Cormac Buckley, who has been appointed manager.
Buckley combines an extensive playing background with growing coaching and performance development experience. Having played and coached at League of Ireland level with Kerry FC, he previously came through the underage ranks at Cobh Ramblers before later coaching the club’s Under-17 side. His playing career has also included spells with Ringmahon Rangers, Rockmount AFC and Macroom.
He is also the founder of Master Performance Academy and has been heavily involved in player development, while maintaining a close connection with Mallow United’s underage structure by supporting players and coaches through his coaching philosophy.
Joining him as Assistant Manager is Micky Buckley, who brings significant experience from Cork football.
Buckley enjoyed considerable success with Leeds AFC, winning numerous honours during his time with the club. His playing career included Cork City, while he has also coached with Douglas Hall. The club believes his knowledge of local football and experience of developing players will prove invaluable throughout the season.
Former Cork City captain Gary Buckley joins as Head Coach while also registering as a player.
A product of the Cork City Academy, Gary Buckley amassed almost 400 professional appearances during an outstanding League of Ireland career. He was part of the Cork City side that completed the Premier Division and FAI Cup double in 2017 and has also represented Galway United and Sligo Rovers.
His dual role will see him bring his professional experience, leadership and high standards both on the training ground and on the pitch.
Completing the coaching team is Michael O’Connor, who takes on the role of Goalkeeping Coach.
O’Connor, a former Mallow United player, has previously worked as goalkeeping coach with Kerry FC and has also coached at underage level with Cobh Ramblers. Having previously worked alongside Cormac Buckley at both Kerry FC and Cobh Ramblers, the pair bring an established coaching relationship into the new setup.
The appointments mark an exciting new chapter for Mallow United as the club re-establishes its Senior Men’s team.
The new campaign gets underway next week when Mallow United travel to face Carrigtwohill United in their opening fixture of the Beamish Stout Munster Senior League Second Division.
