New Dolphin coach David Corkery has high hopes

New Dolphin coach David Corkery has a two-year plan to guide the Cork club back to the top flight of the Ulster Bank League.

The Division 1B outfit just avoided a relegation battle last season but Corkery is confident he can turn their fortunes around.

Former Irish international Corkery has just completed an impressive season with Young Munster, whom he guided to the final of the Munster Senior Cup and the semi-final of the AIL, and he relishes the prospect of taking on a challenge closer to home.

“It’s a fairly big challenge, they’re probably not in a great shape at the moment although recruitment is going on hot and heavy. There was no U20s team or seconds team last year, they barely survived in Division 1B, so it’s clear there must be better structures put in place.

“The good thing,” said Corkery, “is there will be an U20 team in place next season.

“You have to have numbers, you have to have meaningful training sessions, there’s no point in running up against fresh air.

“One big thing is the U20 team will be very good and that’s going to increase numbers in training.

“The age profile in the league has dropped considerably. At Young Munster last year, we often finished games with up to four U20s on the pitch and to have them there was a huge factor in me taking the job. I’m looking forward to it.

“Chris Rowe (outgoing captain) and Barry Keeshan have done a lot of work behind the scenes.

“There is a proper strength and conditioning structure in place, all the medical side of things is being looked after and things are on the up I believe.

“My aim would be to consolidate this year and have a crack off promotion the following year.”

Corkery was speaking at a function at the premises of sponsors Keary’s Nissan of Cork yesterday, in the company of outgoing President Tim Crowley and players such as Munster’s David O’Callaghan and the Scannell brothers Niall and Rory.