Ephie eyes Cork job

Cork minor coach Ephie Fitzgerald has declared his interest in succeeding Conor Counihan as the county’s senior football boss.

Fitzgerald guided Nemo Rangers to four consecutive county titles between 2005 and 2008, and served as Limerick coach when the Shannonsiders reached the All-Ireland quarter-final in 2011.

“I believe I have the experience to do the job after being involved in the club scene for quite some time.

“I believe the time that I spent with Limerick as their coach alongside Maurice Horan was very worthwhile too and it gave me a very good grounding in the inter-county scene,” he told the Evening Echo.

Other names touted for the job vacated by Counihan following the quarter-final defeat to Dublin include outgoing selector Brian Cuthbert and former Cork U21 boss, Brian Cleary.

Meanwhile Kerry chiefs will shortly start the process of appointing a minor football manager for next year with Mickey Ned O’Sullivan seeking a third season in charge.

O’Sullivan was appointed for a two-year term in July 2011 alongside his former team-mate John O’Keeffe as physical trainer and indicated he wishes to remain in the role. However, he could face competition from three-time All-Ireland senior winning manager Jack O’Connor, former Dr Crokes and South Kerry boss John Galvin as well as outgoing minor selector and ex-St Mary’s manager, Peter Keane.

“Kerry will begin a process over the next week or so,” said Kerry board chairman Patrick O’Sullivan. “We’ll be discussing the minor position shortly.”

O’Sullivan is fully aware of how fancied Dublin are to win the September 1 clash. “Beating Dublin is a possibility even though the country doesn’t think we can.”