Cork decide to dispense with Walsh's services
August 23, 2011
Cork county board chairman Jerry O'Sullivan, ex Cork senior hurling manager Denis Walsh and chairman of the appointments committee Denis Coughlan at Walsh's appointment in 2009
The move had been widely expected and Jimmy Barry Murphy has already been installed as the bookies favourite to have a second spell in the hotseat.
Walsh, a former dual All-Ireland winner with the county, has been in the role for three seasons but Cork have slipped back during that spell. It was considered that he might continue for a fourth year but the board have now put an end to that idea.
Barry Murphy managed Cork to All-Ireland honours in 1999 but Under 21 manager Ger Fitzgerald, former goalkeeper Ger Cunningham and Sean O'Brien are also viewed as likely candidates.
The statement released by Cork County Board Chairman Jerry O'Sullivan this afternoon reads:
As Chairman of the County Committee, I wish to confirm that the Appointment Committee which has responsibility for recommending the County Senior Hurling Manager has decided that there will be a change of Manager.
The Vice-Chairman and myself, as members of the Committee, have met with the outgoing Manager, Denis Walsh, whose term as Manager has been completed, and informed him of this decision. Denis accepted the position graciously and offered to provide any assistance or advice in the transition period to the new Manager, when appointed.
On behalf of the County Committee, I wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Denis for his trojan work on behalf of the County hurling team over the past two and a half years. He took up the challenging position at a difficult time, and with his team management colleagues put in enormous time and effort in preparing and developing the team panel. He at all times presented an excellent and courteous public image. Denis has given outstanding service to this County as both a great dual player, and as a Manager/Coach, and we know he will continue to serve the Association well in various capacities in the future.
I wish also to pay tribute to the other Selectors, Pat Buckley, Jerry Ryan and Pa Finn, and to the other members of Denis's 'backroom team' for their dedicated work during their term in office.
The Appointment Committee is now proceeding with its consideration of the appointment of a Manager but no further information is available at this stage. Tweet
