Counihan to helm Rebels for another two years

Cork's 2010 All-Ireland winning manager Conor Counihan had ended weeks of speculation by agreeing a new two-year deal with the Cork County Board.

Counihan helped the Rebels secure a long-awaited Sam Maguire Cup success in his third year in charge, and recently took some time out to consider his options.

Evidently eager to build on last month's final win over Down, the Aghada man has decided to stay on and seek further silverware with his native county.

Confirming the news, a statement from the Cork County Board read: "Coiste Chontae Chorcaí is pleased to announce that Conor Counihan has accepted the new two-year term as Cork senior football manager offered to him following last week's County Board meeting.

"He will retain his current selection committee of Peadar Healy,Terry O'Neill, Ger O'Sullivan and Jim Nolan."

The 51-year-old Counihan, a highly-regarded centre-back during his playing days, took over the Cork managerial reins from Teddy Holland in February 2008.

His first season, coming after a much-publicised players' strike, saw the Rebels battle to maintain their Division 2 status in the National League and then defeat arch rivals Kerry for a gutsy Munster title win.

They were Munster champions again in 2009, adding the Division 2 trophy to the cabinet, and more honours followed this year with a first Division 1 title since 1999 and a first All-Ireland senior crown since 1990.