Counihan set to accept new two-year role at Cork helm

ALL-IRELAND winning boss Conor Counihan is set to stay on in charge of the Cork senior footballers for a further two years. Speculation mounted over Counihan’s future since his initial tenure officially came to an end after last month’s All-Ireland decider triumph over Down.

But he is set to accept the offer of another two seasons as manager from the Cork county board with official confirmation likely within the next 24 hours.

The standard practice in Cork is for All-Ireland winning managers to be offered another 12 month stint if their original term has expired. Yet, significantly, delegates at last week’s county board meeting rubber-stamped a motion to offer Counihan a two year term. There are likely to be minimal changes to the backroom team that played an integral role in the All-Ireland triumph. Selectors Ger O’Sullivan and Jim Nolan have extensive intercounty experience from being involved during Billy Morgan’s tenure, while Terry O’Neill was involved previously when Larry Tompkins was in the hot-seat. The remaining selector Peadar Healy has played a major role in Cork’s preparations, along with physical trainer Aidan O’Connell, as his innovative training has been a key element in Cork’s success.