Cusack has developed into the complete goalkeeper

Dear Sir,

Strangely though I see that we are in total agreement when it comes to Davy Fitzgerald’s ability as a goalkeeper, as we are, it seems, when it comes to Donal Óg Cusack’s all-star credentials. However, to consider my stating this opinion as using Donal Óg’s name for the purpose of a cheap shot I find laughable. Your contributor seems to be making a number of presumptions as to my motives in writing to your office.

To suggest that I’m harbouring some grievance with regard to last year’s All-star selection, when I clearly stated I respected the selection panel’s opinion, is simply not true. At no point did I say Davy Fitz was responsible for the abuse, but that his behaviour contributed to putting him at odds with opposing fans. I also stated, I feel quite clearly, that I did not condone such abuse. So how your contributor could consider my letter to be justifying the abuse amazes me. In my letter I did not mention Davy’s management exploits, but now that your “Donoughmore” contributor has brought it up it should be noted that behaviour that resulted in Davy being suspended after a Clare and Tipp U21 Munster Hurling championship clash can hardly be considered exemplary.

Encroachment on to the pitch and involving oneself with opposition players in an aggressive manner must now be qualities that are required for the passionate manager.

I totally disagree with your contributor’s evaluation of Donal Óg’s natural ability. Having watched Donal Óg Cusack playing in goal since he was a juvenile, I have seen numerous outstanding performances that could only be given by someone with natural talent and a real goalkeeping brain. I have watched through Imokilly U16, Harty Cup and Cork minor campaigns.

I watched how as an 18-year-old Donal Óg took his place with the Imokilly senior hurlers, a team he excelled with until his club Cloyne moved up to senior ranks. I recall a tremendous double save towards the end of a Cork Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final between Imokilly and Midleton that could only be made by someone with immense natural goalkeeping talent.

Since becoming Cork goalkeeper, Donal Óg has developed into the complete goalkeeper, not just a shot stopper, not just a big puck-out, but a master tactician who drives his team forward with his repertoire of accurate ball striking and who in Thurles in the Munster Final showed again that he is an outstanding last line of defence.

Padraig Power

Cork.