Curran backsDonal Óg comments

Ronan Curran has backed the comments of Donal Óg Cusack, whose criticisms of the hurling structure in Cork were not well received by some former teammates.

“These things have to be talked about,” Curran said.

“No matter how good or bad things are in any county, debate is healthy. If there are parts of our coaching and development we can improve then we definitely should.

“It’s no harm starting the debate like he has if it means people start looking at areas that can be improved and we start bringing better players through from underage and schools. Debate can only lead to better things in the future.”

The former All Star and All-Ireland winner in 2004 and 2005 also refused to look on Cork’s dismantling by Tipp as a freak result.

“It would be wrong to write it off. Obviously you will have bad performances, but you still have to look at the things that went wrong. The puck-outs were the biggest problem. I think Tipperary won 70% of them and that never should happen.

“You should either have a plan for their puck-outs or you should be more intense in the tackle if the ball breaks.”

“When we went out on the pitch at senior level in 2004 and 2005 all the lads were used to winning. They knew what it was about and you felt that you were going to win when you were out there. Confidence is a massive thing in hurling and underage success definitely gives you that.

Curran also believes Jimmy Barry-Murphy is the man to revive the Rebels.

“If Jimmy wants to do it himself then I think he should be allowed to take it on for a few more years. He has the respect of the players as well as everyone in the county. He has done a great job and hopefully him and the players can drive on again next year.”