New manager appointed for Castlerea St. Kevin’s senior team

Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club has this evening ratified the appointment of a new manager for the club’s senior team.

Ja O’Loughlin, a teacher at St. Anne's NS in Castlerea, will be the senior team manager for the year ahead.

“Ja was unanimously ratified at our monthly executive meeting tonight,” club chairman John Murphy told the Roscommon Herald.

“He comes with an impressive CV, coach with Meath minors last year, many years with Meath underage teams, coach with Blackhall Gaels and currently manager of University of Galway's Freshers. We wish him and his management team the very best for the year ahead,” said Mr Murphy.

His backroom team will be announced in due course.

The search for a new manager got underway after Dara Bruen stepped down from the position in September after four years in charge.

Since taking up the mantle in 2023, Bruen’s tenure had been a huge success. In his first season in charge he led Castlerea to an intermediate county title, following a dramatic victory over Éire Óg.

Further glory would come that year as Castlerea would land provincial honours, claiming victory over the Galway champions.

Bruen led Castlerea into their senior campaign in his second season in charge.

Bruen and his management team helped Castlerea retain senior status in 2024 and 2025, and progressed further this year to the last eight.