Cork facing huge problems, warns O hAilpín

SEÁN ÓG O hAILPÍN says Cork “have huge problems” at inter-county level and that the county is producing players who “are not confident”.

O hAilpín said over the weekend: “Cork have huge problems. If people think that 30 All-Irelands and Cork’s tradition will get us by, they’re fooling themselves.

“There’s players coming up, but they were maybe hammered by Kilkenny or beaten by Tipperary at underage. When they come in at senior level, they’re playing against fellas who are used to beating them.

“You can’t beat someone who’s been successful at underage level coming into senior. He has the winning mentality you need. Cork have guys coming up the ranks who are not confident.”

O hAilpín confirmed his youngest brother Aisake has returned to Australia and will not figure for Cork next year, as revealed in the Irish Examiner earlier this month.

“He just couldn’t face going back to play for Cork.

“He was gutted against Kilkenny (when substituted at half-time in the All-Ireland semi-final). The most hurtful thing was that there was no explanation.”

O hAilpín said he will not become involved in inter-county management.

“I’d have no appetite for it. My forte is working with young kids. That’s what I see myself doing. If you get a young kid you can do many positive things with him, tell him something that you think is beneficial to him.

“Ego comes in to it. Egos in sport, especially male egos, are hard to deal with. I know all about it. I’ve been in dressing rooms with egos. It’s a dangerous thing. But a young kid, he’s more innocent, more naive. He’s just going out there for enjoyment. There’s no hidden agendas.

“So do I see myself involved with Cork in years to come? No.”