A former Laois footballer has been appointed as the new manager of Ballymun Kickhams in Dublin.
Stradbally native Greg Ramsbottom was announced as the club’s new boss this morning.
They said: “We are thrilled to announce that Greg Ramsbottom has been appointed as our new senior men’s team manager.
“Greg brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a winning spirit to lead our team to new heights.
“Welcome aboard, Greg! Join us in extending a warm welcome to Greg as he takes on this pivotal role in shaping the future of our senior men’s team.”
Ramsbottom has enjoyed a brilliant career both on and off the pitch – and 2023 saw him win a Kelly Cup at the age of 46.
He represented Laois at minor, U-21 and senior level. As a minor in 1995, he was on the Laois team that reached the Leinster final where it took three games for them to lose out to eventual All-Ireland winners Westmeath.
But in 1998, Ramsbottom was on the Laois U-21 side that defeated Dublin in the Leinster final before eventually losing to Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
Ramsbottom went on to play for the Laois seniors and made his full championship debut in 2000 against Westmeath.
At club level, Ramsbottom was a key member of the Stradbally teams that won back to back championships in 1997 and 1998.
He transferred to Round Towers in Dublin in 2005 and missed the 2005 victory as a result.
However, he transferred back shortly after and started in the 2016 county final victory over Portlaoise.
He managed Stradbally in 2020 and 2021 while he has also spent time as coach with the Graiguecullen and St Laurence’s footballers under Kevin Doogue.
Ballymun Kickhams have won four Dublin senior championships – the most recent being in 2020 when they beat Ballyboden St Enda’s.
With the likes of Dean Rock, John Small, Paddy Small, James McCarthy, Evan Comerford and Philly McMahon at their disposal, Ballymun are certain to be contenders under Ramsbottom again this year.
They were beaten by the eventual three-in-a-row champions Kilmacud Crokes in the quarter final last season.
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