Axed Walsh admits results on his watch were ‘unacceptable’

DENIS WALSH fully accepted Cork County Board’s decision not to reappoint him as senior hurling manager adding that the results during his reign were “unacceptable”.

The St Catherine’s clubman met with board chairman Jerry O’Sullivan and vice-chairman Bob Ryan on Monday night where he learned the news.

However, he stood by the decisions made during his reign and vowed to continue his support of Cork hurling and football into the future.

“In the best interest of Cork hurling in general, I accepted that democratic decision,” he said in a statement last night.

“I take full responsibility for the results of last two years. Cork remained competitive and produced several decent displays while at the same time introducing many new players. The manner of our exit from the 2010 and 2011 championships were unacceptable and I apologise to all Cork supporters for that fact.

“In the words of the American writer Benjamin Graham, ‘You’re neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You’re right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right — and that’s the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don’t have to worry about anybody else’.

“Hence, I stand over every single decision that was made during that period.

“As a player and as a coach I have always given unconditional commitment to Cork hurling and football and that shall continue into the future.”

He also expressed his pride in accepting the role at a time when many would have refused it following the high profile strike actions and the stepping down of Gerald McCarthy.

“I am extremely grateful to the three-man committee [Jimmy Barry Murphy, Denis Coughlan and John Fenton] who placed their trust in me back in April 2009. I am satisfied that in Cork hurling’s greatest hour of need I showed the necessary ‘bottle’ by accepting the position as manager.”

Graciously he commended those closest to him during his two-year stint and issued his belief that the current squad would return Cork to its former glory in the future.

“I would like to thank my selectors, Pa Finn, Pat Buckley and Jerry Ryan and their respective families for their support and commitment.

“I salute every member of the coaching and backroom staff for their enormous effort and commitment.

“I’d like to thank all the various clubs in Cork who gave the use of their facilities and gave exceptional co-operation with access to their players. I’d take this opportunity to thank my wife Rena and my family for their patience and support.

“Finally, to the players who have displayed a great appreciation of exactly what is required to compete and win at the highest level, my belief in their ability to turn the corner over the next two to three years is unwavering.”