Getting back to business
1 I was clearing out some old newspapers this week and came across a copy of the Kilkenny People from 2003.
The Cats, had bounced back to beat Cork in a league game, a week after their defeat to Tipperary. The banner headline screamed: “Back in Business”. I thought how the exact same headline could now be used for Cork in 2012. A huge wave of optimism swept the county with the appointment of Jimmy Barry-Murphy as Cork manager for a three-year term last autumn, but even the most optimistic of supporters could hardly have expected such progress in such a quick time. This is a testament to JBM and his management team, as Darren Sweetnam is the only new player in this year’s squad. Cork have built their progress on good physical preparation, good coaching and good man management. A good base of physical conditioning and game organisation was built up for the first game against Waterford and this preparation has stood Cork in good stead as they finished strongly in all their games — with the exception of their defeat to Galway. This year there is a very positive atmosphere in the camp which is vital for progress. Most players who were withdrawn during games were picked again, and this type of player management builds confidence. There was little experimentation with positions, resulting in a settled combination. Cork now play to particular plans, maximising possession and defending from the full forward line. It’s clear they have bought in to Ger Cunningham’s coaching and their confidence, enthusiasm and application is on an upward curve.
