‘Period of reflection’ to precede Brian Cuthbert move

No immediate decision will be taken by Cork GAA officials on the future of football manager Brian Cuthbert.

In October 2013, Cuthbert was appointed as manager for a period of two seasons and Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC defeat to Kildare brought his two-year term to a close.

The Bishopstown man hasn’t given any indication whether he wishes to seek another term but last night Cork chairman Ger Lane revealed that no decision will be rushed into.

“Brian’s two-year term is up as a result of Cork being knocked out,” he said.

“It’s obviously very early days; we were well beaten by Kildare and I think there’ll be a period of reflection now.

“It’s a matter for the county board executive to move the process forward now.

“Nothing will be done immediately. Brian’s term is up and the normal procedure in that situation is that the executive discusses the matter, there are discussions with the outgoing manager too, and then a process for appointment is agreed upon.”

Meanwhile, Cork midfielder Alan O’Connor will undergo a scan today to assess the damage to his knee after he had to retire injured on Saturday.

St Colum’s club man O’Connor was forced off in the first half amid fears of a cruciate ligament injury and the full extent of the problem will be known after the scan.

“We’ll have to wait and see until the scan,” said Dr Con Murphy, the Cork team doctor. “There is a possibility it’s the cruciate.”

Cork’s exit from both football and hurling championships mean it will be a busy weekend at club level in the county. The Cork SHC fourth round starts on Friday with the meeting of Erin’s Own and Na Piarsaigh, while Glen Rovers meet Bride Rovers and Ballymartle clash with Carrigtwohill on Saturday. St Finbarr’s and Bishopstown play their third-round game on bank holiday Monday.