Counihan successor not discussed by Cork board

A system to appoint the next Cork senior football manager is yet be put in place after the issue was not discussed at last night’s county board meeting in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

While U21 and minor football managerial issues were dealt with, there was no mention of sourcing a replacement for Conor Counihan, who stepped down after the All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Dublin. County chairman Bob Ryan expressed the board’s thanks to Counihan.

“Conor deserves our gratitude for the time and effort put in,” he said.

“The public, and our friends in the media, must remember that the work put in is done as volunteers, and should be respected as such.”

Ryan also paid tribute to the Cork support in Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final win over Dublin.

“The support was superb,” he said, “it was back to where it was when we were at the very top.

“I’ll never forget the roar at the final whistle, it was uplifting.”

Former board chairman Mick Dolan also sought to congratulate the Irish Examiner for Monday’s front-page picture, featuring manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy and county secretary Frank Murphy.

Sean Hayes was appointed as the new U21 boss, replacing John Cleary.

Hayes, who won multiple county and provincial medals with his club Nemo Rangers in the 1970s and 80s, managed Youghal to a county intermediate win in 2000 and also brings a wealth of involvement in his own club.

Gene O’Driscoll of Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh, currently the manager of the Carbery divisional side, is the coach and Seán Bownes (Castlemartyr) and Mick O’Loughlin (Bishopstown) are also selectors. Another selector will be announced later.

In addition, the minor football selectors to serve under Castletownbere’s Donal O’Sullivan, who was appointed at the previous meeting, were also announced. Tom Dorgan (Ballincollig) will serve as the side’s coach, with Andrew McCarthy of Inniscarra, St Finbarr’s clubman Mick Coymns and Paul Holland (Argideen Rangers) also on the management committee.