By Shaun Casey

PORTAFERRY hurling manager Karol Keating remains unsure regarding his future in the post the Gaelic Life understands. Keating led his native club to championship gold this season, defeating Ballycran in the final, 1-12 to 0-13.

This season marked Portaferry’s fifth appearance in the county final in a row, but until 2022, they’d only won once, in 2020. Ballycran had dominated the Down hurling scene winning in 2018 and 2019 along with an extra-time victory over Portaferry last season.

Keating was appointed Portaferry boss at the beginning of the year and included two-time Olympian Ciara Mageean in his management team.

After guiding his side to a county title, Keating’s side crashed out of the Ulster Championship at the first hurdle, coming up against a superior Sleacht Néill side.

Keating, a former Portaferry goalkeeper, helped his club to numerous county titles during his playing days with the Down club.

He was also between the sticks when Portaferry claimed their one – and to date only – provincial title back in 2014. Keating kept a clean sheet in the final as the Down men overcame Cushendall, 1-16 to 0-10.