Rebel optimism rises as forwards given free rein

There are no recriminations but a Cork forward’s standard of living has improved a good deal of late.

That’s not to say Conor Counihan held them back. Hell, there wouldn’t have been a 2010 without scores. But he saw things one way; it’s already clear Brian Cuthbert, his former selector and current manager, sees them another.

Counihan’s philosophy involved minding the house and grinding down teams. When asked why Cork were so deliberate going forward with the ball, he explained in 2010: “People are talking about the direct ball. If you have five defenders in the full-back line against three full-forwards it doesn’t make sense. That’s my perspective, others have a different point of view.”