Hunt begins for O’Grady successor

CORK GAA chiefs will press ahead “as a matter of urgency” with the appointment of a new hurling coach, after yesterday’s resignation of All-Ireland- winning manager Donal O’Grady.

School principal O’Grady surprised GAA observers with his decision to step down after a two-year term, but his management and board colleagues in Cork had been fearful of the announcement for some time.

“I knew he wasn’t going to change his mind,” board chairman Jim Forbes admitted last night. “He had said that, come what may, he was getting out. He was good to his word.”

The board will meet next week to start the hunt for a successor. It is likely to sanction a seven-person executive committee to bring forward recommendations. Outgoing selector Seanie O’Leary and ex-Cork intermediate coach Sean O’Brien are considered early front-runners.

“There is a bit of a rush,” admitted Mr Forbes.

“The new coach will want to be in place before the team goes on holidays to New Zealand in January.

“A replacement will be found sooner rather than later, and definitely before Christmas.”

The board chairman head-hunted O’Grady to help put Cork hurling back on track after the turmoil of the players’ strike two years ago. He brought Cork to the 2003 All-Ireland final, which they lost to Kilkenny. However, Cork gained revenge last month with victory in the 2004 decider.

O’Grady’s management team was appointed for a two-year term.

“I’m very disappointed,” admitted Mr Forbes.

“His achievements in two years have been extraordinary, and Cork hurling should be eternally grateful to Donal O’Grady.”

The All-Ireland champions are now seeking their fourth hurling manager in as many years.

Kilkenny coach Brian Cody said he was surprised: “He is going out on a high note. The job demands every minute of your time and a bit more if you can find it, but it’s a job you can only do if you absolutely want to.

“Donal obviously feels he cannot devote the time any more and perhaps he wants to pursue other things.”