Counihan’s unsung heroes

CORK coach Conor Counihan paid a remarkable tribute last night to the “forgotten men” of this year’s run to the All-Ireland final.

Veterans Derek Kavanagh and Conor McCarthy are the only outfield players in the Cork squad yet to play an active part in the Rebels’ Championship campaign – but Counihan insisted last night: “They’re the reason we’re in an All-Ireland final.”

Nemo Rangers’ Kavanagh and McCarthy from O’Donovan Rossa were both involved in Cork’s last All-Ireland final appearances two years ago, but they’ve struggled to get a look in this season, as a new wave of talent has poured through to the senior ranks.