Cuthbert ‘stepping down with immediate effect’ as Cork senior football manager

Cork football manager Brian Cuthbert has fallen on his sword, this morning, after witnessing his side lose to Kerry in a Munster final replay and then get walloped by Kildare in the last round of the qualifiers.

Cuthbert’s two-year tenure ended on Saturday when the Rebels were beaten 1-12 to 1-21 by Kildare at Semple Stadium.

Cork officials will now seek a replacement for Cuthbert, though with no competitive games until next year’s McGrath Cup, there is no immediate hurry to appoint a bainisteoir.

As reported by Michael Moynihan and Jackie Cahill in the Irish Examiner today, the unexpected championship exit followed a disappointing NFL final defeat at the hands of Dublin, Cork’s second comprehensive loss to the Dubs in two seasons.

“It’s a matter for the county board executive to move the process forward now”.

County Chairman Gerard Lane said: “On behalf of the County Board and on my own behalf, I would like to thank Brian for his service to Cork GAA, not just as senior manager but as a selector with Conor Counihan and as a successful minor manager previously”.

“I would also like to thank the Cork County Board for extending every support possible to myself and the team in the course of the League and Championship campaigns”.

Former Under-21 manager John Cleary is among the early frontrunners to replace Cuthbert, as is ex-Nemo Rangers coach Ephie Fitzgerald.