Corcoran doubts persist

BRIAN CORCORAN returned to training with All-Ireland SHC champions Cork last night. However doubts persist about his involvement in their title defence.

Corcoran did not partake in any training sessions while on holidays in South Africa earlier this month, leading to concerns about his availability for Cork’s bid for three-in-a-row.

There is also speculation that the former Hurler of the Year may have work commitments outside the county this year which would curtail his availability for training.

The Erin’s Own club man announced his retirement after Cork lost to Limerick in the Munster championship of 2001 but ended his exile in 2004 - in a new role as an attacker.

Corcoran, centre back on the team which won the championship in 1999, has won two All-Ireland titles since his return, scoring two points in the 2004 victory over Kilkenny and subsequently collected an Allstar.

He received a serious shoulder injury in the Munster final victory over Tipperary last season. However he scored a crucial goal in the quarter-final success over Waterford at Croke Park.

In the aftermath of last year’s win over Galway, Corcoran was adamant that he would remain with the side in their bid to emulate the achievement of the Cork team (1977-79), the last side to win a hat-trick of All-Ireland SHC crowns.

“How could I,” Corcoran replied when asked if he was going to retire following the victory over Conor Hayes’s side.

He added: “I’m so happy I came out of retirement.

“We’ve beaten all the main contenders to win two All-Ireland titles. We’ve beaten them all, Limerick, Tipperary twice, Waterford twice, Clare, Galway, Wexford and Kilkenny and we’ve only lost once to Waterford.

“It’s no bad record.”

Cork open their Allianz NHL campaign on February 19 away to Offaly.

John Allen’s side begin the defence of the Munster and All-Ireland SHC titles against Clare on May 28.