Noel O’Leary: John Cleary should have been given Cork job sooner

LAOCH: Noel O'Leary will feature on Laochra Gael on Thursday. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

If Noel O’Leary had his way, John Cleary would have been Cork manager a long time ago, 10 years ago to be precise when Conor Counihan stepped aside.

Not yet 32, O’Leary was among the exodus of All-Ireland winners a few months after their trusted manager bid adieu. Whether it was a brain or brawn drain, Cork lost too much that winter as Brian Cuthbert was favoured ahead of Cleary.