Employment good news just the job for Rebels
Several well-known players have been out of work and manager Conor Counihan was concerned about their prospects and in April he appeared on The Late Late Show with Michael Shields, Alan O’Connor and Donncha O’Connor to speak on the situation.
However the majority of Cork’s squad have now secured employment, something Counihan admits is a massive relief as they get set for a Munster final on July 3 against Kerry.
“It’s a big relief for everyone but more particularly the lads themselves,” he said.
“For the morale and the enthusiasm inside in our squad, this is a big boost. We still have one or two who we’re trying to sort something out for but we’re hopeful enough on that front as well.
“Obviously for any of us, the important thing is to get up tomorrow morning and have a job to go to. Football is secondary in regard to that. Everyone needs work and it’s great that some of our lads have got some recently. We’re not in a professional era in the GAA so we need the day job.”
Nemo Rangers attacker Paul Kerrigan recently secured a position with German company DB Schenker based in Little Island outside Cork city. He revealed it is hugely beneficial to his football not having employment worries after being without work since graduating from a Masters in Cork IT last October.
“I’m delighted. I did an article in the Irish Examiner a few weeks ago about being out of work and a fella from Nemo saw it.
“His young fella plays for the club. He got on to a fella who I’d know well in Nemo and that’s how I got in touch with him. He’s involved with a career recruitment crowd, so I met up with him, had a chat and gave him my CV.
“He managed to get me an interview with DB Schenker down in Little Island on a Friday and I got offered the job on the Monday. They’re a big German multi-national in logistics.
“I’m settling in now. It’s just great to have a focus away from football. There’s a bit more responsibility in your life now but that’s good.
“I’m enjoying the football more now and looking forward to going training on Tuesday and Thursday nights.”
The fear that members of Cork’s panel would be forced to emigrate, thus hampering their chances of retaining the Sam Maguire this year, have now dissipated.
“We don’t want anyone to have to leave Ireland,” states Kerrigan. “That’s the strength of our panel, having that bit of depth. I think nearly everyone seems to be sorted now. I was talking to Alan O’Connor last week and he’s back working. Colm (O’Neill) is back with Ulster Bank, Shieldsy has got something sorted and I think Donncha’s after getting something as well. That’s great because having all our lads here is the main thing.”
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