Murphy expresses ‘surprise’ at Cork All-Star snub
While congratulating the four who were selected for accolades (Michael Shields, Graham Canty, Paudie Kissane and Aidan Walsh) Murphy has used his annual report to Saturday’s convention to query the snub to the attack line.
“The omission of a Cork forward was to say the least somewhat surprising,” wrote Murphy. Four of Counihan’s forwards were nominated for gongs — Paddy Kelly, Paul Kerrigan, Donncha O’Connor and Daniel Goulding.
The latter appeared to have done his case for a nod more than enough justice following a superb All-Ireland final showing. However, there was some consolation for the Éire Óg man when he was selected on the GPA team of the year.
Murphy also credited the substitute decisions made by Counihan as the reason behind the footballers’ All-Ireland final victory over Down.
“The introduction of experienced players in the second period bore dividends and the team played with more composure.”
Meanwhile, Murphy has confirmed that the Cork County Board have appointed head consultants for the proposed redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the provision of a centre of excellence.
Murphy thanked the Cork City Council’s decision earlier this year to give the green light to the initiative and noted that “discussions with City Hall are currently ongoing”.
And he added: “A planning consultant and other members of the design team will be appointed at an early date.
“Valuable discussions have also been held with officials at Croke Park level.”
The Cork County Board had hoped that the two projects, estimated to cost €30m would be completed by 2013.
Last week, GAA president Christy Cooney revealed that the board don’t expect work to begin on either project for another 18 months.
Cork’s accounts also showed that inter-county team expenses had gone up in 2010 by almost five per cent to €1,572,365 from €1,501,875 in 2009.
The increased figure is largely down to the added number of championship games the rebel senior football and hurling teams were involved in during the 2010 season.
