Legends pass on the flame

Cork GAA announced a series of high-profile underage appointments for their development squads at last night’s Rebel Óg awards.

Ger Cunningham, selector with last year’s All-Ireland senior finalists, takes over the U15 hurlers while former full-back Diarmuid O’Sullivan becomes the U16 manager. All-Ireland club and county winner and former Cork captain Derek Kavanagh takes over the U15 footballers.

“We were conscious that we wanted to appoint people with a high profile but also people willing and able to coach at the highest level,” said Rebel Óg chairman, Marc Sheehan.

“These people have a high standing in the county for their exploits and they are genuinely committed to coaching and the Cork jersey.”

Cunningham, who was linked to the Limerick senior job at the end of last season, will be more than just a manager for the squad and will act as tutor to a group of emerging coaches including Noel Furlong of Carrigtwohill and Declan Fitzgerald of Buttevant, who are coaching the UCC and UL fresher teams respectively.

“His role will be to lead the group of coaches at this age group,” added Sheehan. “He’s going to use all the experience of coaching he has to develop those around him. We want to give them personal development opportunities and to that end we will be running a six-night programme in February to up-skill people to formal coaching qualifications.”

The development panels, much like in other counties, meet for short spells during the season so as not to interfere with club activities but Sheehan hopes the coaching structures in place will facilitate development of Cork children in both codes.

“They won’t be seeing their team three or four times a week. We have narrow windows to work in and that’s where these managers will try to impart high quality coaching aimed at skill and physical development.

“The players will also learn about nutrition and avoiding burnout while the managers will link up with their schools and families to make sure they are not doing too much.”

For the first time though the U17 development teams in both football and hurling will operate under the respective minor team managements.

In addition the Team Performance computer program, which allows players input data on their day’s physical activities, is also expected to help the new managements limit the risks of burnout.

“It’s a massive boost,” said Sheehan. “We’re bringing the best methodology to the kitchen table and giving players with potential the avenue to develop.”

Some positions remain unfilled as of yet but will be announced by Rebel Óg on February 5.

Meanwhile Gabriel Rangers clubman Noel Coakley was named Hall of Fame winner at last night’s banquet in the Rochestown Park Hotel.

The Bantry native has been heavily involved in the Schull club for many years. He was an officer on the Carbery Bord na Óg board for 45 years and principal of Scoil Bhríde in Ballydehob.

Sheehan said: “It’s only fitting to award Noel tonight for his years of loyal service exclusively at underage.”