Big shake-up at Killavilla United

By Gary Culbert

It is not too often that you lose your manager, captain, starting midfielder, and star striker, all at the same time, yet alone on the eve of your debut season in the top division of the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL).

Those are the quite frankly bizarre set of non-interconnected circumstances that face Killavilla United this season.

News broke over the weekend that after just one season in charge, Brian Brooks would be stepping down as manager effective immediately.

In a statement on social media, the club thanked Brooks: "for all his hard work and dedication" during his highly successful year-long spell in charge of the first team. "You leave behind a lasting mark, and you will be missed by everyone at the club. We wish you the very best in the future.”

Killavilla enjoyed an 'invincible' league campaign under Brooks’ guidance, securing the CCFL First Division title and thus promotion to the top tier. Indeed, there was a noticeable increase in professionalism and a significant raising of standards during Brian Brooks' time in charge.

"Brian’s commitment, standards, and efforts on and off the pitch were immense, and while the club is naturally disappointed to see him step down due to personal reasons, we fully respect his decision" the Roscrea club added.

First team player Dylan Carroll is looking after the team on an interim basis while the club scramble to find Brook’s successor. Carroll was on the sideline on Sunday as they recorded a convincing win over Shinrone United in a pre-season friendly.

Whilst it has been reported that David Nash will get the job, Brooks' predecessor Michael Lynch, will also be one of the favourites for the role.

Whoever ends up landing what is now one of the top jobs in North Tipp soccer, their first job will be to pick a new captain as cult-hero Micky Ryan has stepped away from his beloved Killavilla due to travel reasons.

A legendary character of the local game, Micky Ryan won it all, and in some style too. Passion, pride, and an unbelievable dedication to the cause were just a few of the qualities that made him the perfect captain of the mighty Killavilla United. Cut him open and he would bleed Villa blue.

It is a great shame that Villa Park will no longer hear the deep, bellowing, unmistakable call of "Micky’s" ball when their captain goes up for a header.

In a statement on social media, the 33-year-old said “What a club: a family and a big part of my heart. Blue will always be the colour”.

It is understood that the club legend’s reason for leaving is due to the travel time from his new home in Kilkenny as Villa will have plenty of trips to Athlone in the CCFL this year.

It will come as no surprise then to learn that the towering centre half is not hanging up the boots with Villa's loss reportedly going to be Bridge United's gain.

The last issue facing the new manager will be how to replace the goals of star striker Ruairi Murphy.

Having been shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident in the Michael Dolan Cup final - which was the final game of last season - it is reported that Murphy will miss a significant number of games at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign through suspension.

Murphy netted 13 goals in all competitions last season, just two less than top-scorer Lynch.

As much as all these combined circumstances would cause significant worry in most clubs, there will be absolutely no panic in Killavilla as Roscrea’s finest trust their ability against any opposition.