Canty hails Counihan’s decision to stay

GRAHAM CANTY has welcomed Conor Counihan’s decision to remain as manager as Cork attempt to build on the success of 2010.

Having dominated with a championship and league double, it might have been an opportune time for Counihan to bow out but the Aghada man has already spoken of new goals, pointedly referring to what he clearly feels is an insufficient number of All-Irelands.

Such talk is music to the ears of a competitor like his captain, who admits that it would have been very difficult to retain the All-Ireland had there been any change at management level.

“It’d be very tough but we are just fortunate that Conor accepted another two years and that his backroom team as well accepted it,” said Canty at Croke Park last night.

“They’re as important and they come as a unit just like the players. We are kind of all one and if you want to try and retain an All-Ireland it is great to start with Conor Counihan and his backroom team around you.

“As players, we are very happy that Conor and all his team have stayed on. They’re a good team. They have come in two and a bit years ago and they have done very well with the bunch of players that we have in Cork and we are delighted with that. We are all looking forward to next year.”

Considered one of the best Irish players to have played international rules, Canty has encountered two-time Brownlow medallist, Adam Goodes on a number of occasions.

A team-mate of Tadhg Kennelly’s at Sydney Swans, Goodes is the Australian captain this time around and he led by example with a magnificent display of athleticism, kicking and ball-handling in Limerick. All of which brings marking Donaghy to mind.

“It’s not a whole lot different” agrees Canty. “If there’s quality ball going in, you’re in serious trouble. The two of them are great fielders of the ball and if there’s quality ball going in from an angle you’re at a serious disadvantage.

“You know if you’re marking Kieran you might let him win the ball, get your feet, let him come down and see what happens then but in this game that’s not really an option.

“In this game you really have to go for the ball. In this game the mark is rewarded and I suppose sometimes Kieran doesn’t get the reward. When he wins the ball and comes down there might be five or six people waiting for him. If Adam Goodes wins it in front of the goal he’ll kick his score for a three-pointer then.”