Cork GAA has been hit with a bombshell with just over three weeks to go until they start their Championship campaign.
Manager Keith Ricken is to take a sabbatical from his position for the remainder of the 2022 season. Cork GAA has confirmed that his decision is because of "health reasons".
Cork are due to play Kerry in a Munster semi-final on May 7, with the venue still to be determined.
Coach John Cleary will assume managerial duties on an interim basis and for the foreseeable future.
Ricken was only appointed as Cork manager in October, replacing Ronan McCarthy who stepped down the month previously.
He endured a difficult inaugural Allianz Football League campaign, preserving their Division Two status with wins in their last two games over Down and Offaly.
Ricken had earned the senior job off the back of three impressive years in charge of the county's Under-20 side. He led them to an All Ireland title in his first year in charge, and they were crowned Munster champions last season.
Cork have wished Ricken "a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the sideline."
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