Plenty of appetite for the big challenges ahead, says Cork boss Counihan

NO worries about the end of year training ban for victorious Cork manager Conor Counihan, but an acceptance that his team faces arguably its biggest challenge to date in starting off the 2011 season as All-Ireland champions.

And, with a trip to South Africa the reward for bringing the Sam Maguire Cup south for the first time in 20 years, the Rebel boss confirmed he squad will be going back into training ‘straight away’ after their return on January 13.

Counihan was speaking ahead of last night’s presentation of medals at the Rochestown Park Hotel, at which the guests of honour included GAA president Christy Cooney, Munster chairman Sean Walsh, Cork County Board chairman Jerry O’Sullivan and Bishop John Buckley.