Allen crucial to Cork’s three-in-a-row bid, says Ó hAilpín

CORK need John Allen to remain as manager if they are to challenge for the three-in-row, All-Ireland winning captain Sean Óg Ó hAilpín said yesterday.

Speaking after an early morning football work-out with younger brother Aisake, Ó hAilpín described Allen’s efforts as “a remarkable job.”

Allen has yet to decide on his future, saying he asked for a 12-month term after succeeding Donal O’Grady.

“I certainly didn’t want to find that there was a big noose around my neck (at the end of the year). I don’t know really, I’ll first have to talk about it with my wife Jo. I did ask for only one year. I wanted to be sure that the job wouldn’t be too big for me,’’ he added.

“Donal O’Grady had decided he would take on the job for ‘one more year’ and that would be it. When he rang me a few weeks after the All-Ireland final he told me, ‘I’m gone.’ I knew there was no turning back for him.’’

Ó hAilpín, who is determined to win his place in the squad for next month’s International Rules Series in Australia, said he “presumed” that Allen would manage the team again next year.

“If John wants it, they’ll give it to him, but you never know,’’ he said. “After the game he thanked us for our efforts and that he was honoured to coach us. He didn’t tell us about his intentions.

“I believe he’s thinking of a two-year plan, but he has done an amazing job. I don’t think people realise the job he has done. If he didn’t land the All-Ireland he would be deemed as a failure, which would be unfair.

“But, that’s the way it is in Cork - it was a poisoned chalice.

“He has been as professional as Donal and a very honourable guy. He stands by his players 100% and I’m delighted for him. Not many coaches can win the All-Ireland in their first year!

“For the benefit of this team, I think John has to stay.’’

County Board Chairman Jim Forbes said that the tradition in Cork was that any selection committee which delivered an All-Ireland title was “automatically” in place the following year - even if their term was up.

“That’s providing they want to stay on - and I would hope they will stay,’’ he added.

“I hope they stick together. I think there is three-in-a-row definitely in them.” Allen hopes Brian Corcoran stays: “whether I’m there or somebody else is there, certainly he is an heroic figure among the squad. The ‘carrot’ is there. Three-in-a-row is something that doesn’t come too often.”