FORMER CORK ALL-Ireland SFC medallists John Coleman, John O’Driscoll and Nicholas Murphy will form part of the committee to find the next senior football manager of the Rebels.
With Brian Cuthbert having announced after the loss to Kildare that he wouldn’t seek re-appointment, the three former players – Coleman of Millstreet won in 1973, O’Driscoll (Béal Áthan Ghaorthaidh) in ’89 and ’90 and Carrigaline’s Murphy in 2010 – will join county chairman Ger Lane and secretary Frank Murphy in searching for a successor.
Elsewhere, the executive of the board drew considerable ire from delegates for the infamous statement released in the wake of Cuthbert’s stepping-down.
Lane had expressed regret that elements of the statement were interpreted as criticism of Munster final referee Pádraig Hughes and apologised.
“The board issued a statement to thank Brian for his tenure as manager,” he said, “some parts of that were interpreted as criticism of the referee, that was never the intention.”
Delegates made clear their disappointment, with Patrick Andrews (Shamrocks) saying “you wouldn’t see it in Father Ted,” while Frank McCarthy of Ballincollig pulled no punches.
“You have embarrassed the county, you let us down deplorably, and no apology this late will excuse what you did.”
Also the subject of criticism was Dónal Óg Cusack, with many unhappy with his portrayal of them as “stooges” and “yes-men” on The Sunday Game after Cork’s hurling loss to Galway.
“I was at both games, we were beaten fair and square,” said Lyre delegate Patrick Muphy.
“I had a problem with the Sunday Game, an analyst paid by the taxpayer, calling the likes of ourselves names. I have never been a yes-man and, if people like them or not, that’s it.
“Everyone who comes here does so for the good of Cork GAA, they get into their cars and make the effort.”
Meanwhile, it had been expected appointments of minor hurling, minor football and junior football managers would be made, but the filling of both minor roles was delayed. Paul McCarthy (Kinsale) was re-appointed as junior football boss.
Stephen Calnan (Nemo Rangers) will be coach, while Alan Whelan (Brian Dillons), John Geaney (Kilshanning) and Pat Mackey (Youghal) will be selectors.
