In line with the recently announced 2024 Five-Year Plan for Cork Football, Conor Counihan has been appointed to the position of Project Co-Ordinator by the Cork GAA County Board.
Counihan, a player on the All-Ireland winning Cork teams of 1989 and 1990, famously managed the Leesiders to All-Ireland glory in 2010 when they lifted the title for the first time in two decades.
The Aghada man also led the county to four national league titles and three Munster titles during his time in charge of the county footballers. After stepping down from his role as manager of the county team in 2013, he has remained involved with development squads within the county.
In a statement on the Cork GAA website, County Board Chairperson Tracey Kennedy said:
We are delighted that Conor applied successfully for this position, which is vital to the future of Cork football. Conor brings with him a huge amount of experience in all aspects of Cork football, along with a passion and drive that is immeasurable, and on behalf of the County Board, I would like to welcome him to our team and wish him every success in this new role.
The decline of success for Cork football in recent years has led to renewed efforts to promote the sport in the county. Since Counihan stepped down from his role as county manager, Cork have failed to win a Munster title and have only made the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland series on one occasion - in 2014.
That sparked the initiative which seeks "to improve participation and performance across all levels of Gaelic football in Cork."
Counihan was a member of the sub-committee that published the plan back in January before the post subsequently became available.
At the time, he highlighted the need for a holistic approach when implementing the plan.
I think the resources being applied will be of major benefit but these are worth nothing without the support of the people on the ground. This is an opportunity which we all need to embrace for the good of Cork football.
