Kevin O’Donovan’s blueprint for change in Cork set for discussion

Kevin O’Donovan’s blueprint for change is expected to be discussed at this evening’s meeting of the Cork County Board.

The Cork GAA coaching officer circulated a document at the end of last month’s meeting.

It contained 25 proposals to arrest the decline of both codes in the county and, while the document will not be part of this evening’s agenda, it is expected to be raised by club delegates when discussion turns to the exit of the various Cork teams over the past number of weeks.

The suspension of standing orders at the July meeting meant the hurlers’ defeat to Wexford was not dissected. The hurlers’ disappointing summer, along with the footballers’ campaign, will be top of the bill in Trabeg.

O’Donovan’s proposals are directly aimed at improving the fortunes of the various Cork teams and chief among them is the establishment of a player development programme from minor upwards and the appointment of a Director for football, hurling and a head of physical development.

He also wants regional centres of excellence established in Mallow and Clonakilty.

Chairman Ger Lane has said O’Donovan’s document is largely similar to a paper recently formulated by a sub-committee of the Cork GAA strategic review steering group, but their work is unlikely to be presented to delegates this evening.

Details surrounding the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh fundraising committee are also expected to be announced.