Conor Counihan
Encyclopedia
Conor Counihan is an Irish
Gaelic football
manager
and former player. He is the current manager of the Cork senior football team.
Regarded as the greatest centre-back of his generation, Counihan enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Aghada
and Imokilly
, and at inter-county level with Cork. He was a key member of the latter team during the 'golden age' of the late 1980s and collected two consecutive All-Ireland
titles and four consecutive Munster
titles.
Immediately after his retirement from inter-county activity, Counihan became involved in coaching. He served as a selector on the Cork senior football team under both Billy Morgan
and Larry Tompkins
, while also coaching the Aghada senior football team. Counihan was appointed manager of the Cork senior football team in February 2008.
and enjoyed some success. It was, however, with divisional side Imokilly
that he enjoyed the ultimate success in club football.
In 1980 Counihan enjoyed his first success with his native club when Imokilly defeated Cloyne
to take the divisional junior football title. Aghada retained this title in 1981, before later qualifying to play Ballincollig
in the final of the county junior championship
. The game was a close affair, however, Counihan's side were beaten by 2-11 to 2-7.
Aghada took the divisional title at junior level again in 1983, however, Counihan's side failed to build on this and take the county title.
In 1984 Counihan was on the divisional team as Imokilly reached the final of the county senior championship for the first time ever. Mighty St. Finbarr's
provided the opposition and were installed as the favourites. The game went Imokilly's way as the men from east Cork, an area known as a hurling
stronghold, claimed their first ever title with a 1-14 to 2-7 score line.
After surrendering their title the following year, Imokilly were back in the championship decider again in 1986. Once again it was St. Finbarr's who provided the opposition, however, on this occasion 'the Barr's' were the reigning county champions. The game was a close, low-scoring affair, however, Imokilly eventually triumphed by 2-4 to 0-9 and Counihan picked up a second county championship winners' medal.
In 1987 Counihan's divisional side had the chance to make it two-in-a-row and retain their title. Nemo Rangers
were the opponents, however, Imokilly were handily beaten by 2-11 to 0-9. the year also ended with Aghada losing the east Cork final.
In 1989 Counihan added a fourth divisional title to his collection before later lining out in the county championship final. Knocknagree
were the opponents and, after a draw and a replay, Counihan's side triumphed by 0-8 to 0-4 and gained promotion to intermediate level
.
After just two years in intermediate level Aghada reached the championship final with Ballincollig providing the opposition. A narrow 0-9 to 0-8 victory gave Counihan a county intermediate championship winners' medal and entry to the top flight of club football in Cork.
title in this grade following a 3-15 to 0-4 trouncing of Clare
. Cork later qualified for the All-Ireland final. Dublin
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a 2-8 to 1-5 score line gave victory to Cork and gave Counihan a coveted All-Ireland
under-21 winners’ medal.
The following year Counihan joined the Cork senior football team, however, success was slow in coming due to the dominance of Kerry
. In 1984 Counihan was also a key member of the Cork junior football team. That he won a Munster
title in this grade following a 1-12 to 0-9 defeat of Kerry. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against English side Warwickshire
. An absolute rout took place and Cork won easily by 3-20 to 0-7, giving Counihan a junior All-Ireland
winner’s medal.
By the late 1980s Counihan had established himself as a key member of the Cork senior football team. It was an unhappy period for Cork as their nearest neighbours, Kerry, had won eleven of the last twelve Munster titles and had put Cork to the sword on most of those occasions. In 1987 Counihan was appointed captain of the team. The ‘traditional’ Munster final between Cork and Kerry ended in a draw, however, Cork triumphed over the four-in-a-row hopefuls by 0-13 to 1-5. It was Counihan’s first Munster
winners' medla in the senior grade. Cork subsequently qualified for the All-Ireland final with Meath providing the opposition. Mid-way through the first-half Cork had a goal chance blocked by Mick Lyons
when Jimmy Kerrigan
looked to be through for a seven-point lead. Instead, it was Meath who led by 1-6 to 0-8 at half-time, courtesy of a Colm O'Rourke
goal. Cork’s Larry Tompkins
’s radar was also off course as he missed six out of eight free-kicks. At the full-time whistle Meath were the winners by 1-14 to 0-11.
In 1988 Counihan’s side made it back-to-back Munster titles following another win over Kerry. The 1988 Munster Final was also a day Conor Counihan infamously caught Kerry midfield legend Jack O’Shea by the balls literally. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned. Meath provided the opposition once again as Cork got off to a good start with a Teddy McCarthy
goal. By the end of the game Cork led by a point, however, Brian Stafford
scored the equaliser. The replay was a controversial affair. Meath’s Gerry McEntee
was sent-off after just seven minutes. In spite of being reduced to fourteen men, Meath hung on for a narrow 0-13 to 0-12 victory. It was Counihan’s second consecutive All-Ireland final defeat.
1989 began well for Counihan. Defeats of Dublin
and New York
gave him a coveted National Football League
title. A record-breaking third consecutive Munster title was subsequently secured by Counihan and, once again, Cork qualified for a third consecutive All-Ireland final. Mayo
were the opponents on this occasion and the game was a close affair for much of the opening half. An Anthony Finnerty goal after thirty-eight minutes gave Mayo a brief lead, however, the Connacht champs failed to score for the last nineteen minutes. Teddy McCarthy took control and Cork secured victory by 0-17 to 1-11. It was Counihan’s first All-Ireland
winners’ medal and Cork’s first championship title since 1973. At the end of the year Counihan was presented with his first All-Star
award.
In 1990 Counihan was sill a key member of the team. That year Cork made it a remarkable four Munster titles on the trot. A fourth consecutive All-Ireland final appearance quickly followed, with old rivals Meath providing the opposition. Cork suffered a blow in the first-half when Colm O'Neill
was sent off; however, Shay Fahy was playing a blinder at midfield. In spite of only having fourteen men Cork won the game by 0-11 to 0-9. It was a second consecutive All-Ireland title for Counihan and it was the first time that Cork had achieved back-to-back championships. This victory was all the more special as the Cork hurling team had already won their respective All-Ireland
title a fortnight earlier. It was the first time in the modern era that a county had won the hurling and football ‘double
’. A second consecutive All-Star award quickly followed.
The following few years saw Cork surrender their Munster crown and Counihan was confined to the substitute’s bench. He played no part in Cork's Munster title victory in 1993; however, he later made an appearance in the All-Ireland final with Derry
providing the opposition. Things did not go to plan as 'the Rebels' were reduced to fourteen men when Tony Davis
was harshly red-carded. Séamus Downey scored the winning goal as Derry secured their first All-Ireland with a 1-14 to 2-8 victory. Counihan retired from inter-county activity following this defeat.
in the inter-provincial football competition, however, he enjoyed little success. He played with Munster for six seasons between 1986 and 1992, however, he ended up on the losing side on each occasion and finished his career without a Railway Cup title.
. That year Cork retained their Munster title following another convincing victory over Tipperary
. Cork, however, were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Five years later in 1999 Counihan played a vital role alongside Larry Tompkins
as a specialist backs coach and as a selector. The year was a successful one, beginning with the capture of the National League title following a two-point defeat of Dublin. Cork later reclaimed the Munster title after an absence of four years. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, with old enemies Meath providing the opposition. Ollie Murphy
scored a goal in the first-half that proved decisive for Meath. Graham Geraghty missed a penalty for ‘the Royals’ immediately after the interval, before a Joe Kavanagh
goal gave Cork a brief lead. At the full-time whistle Cork were beaten by 1-11 to 1-8.
Counihan returned as a backs coach again in 2003, however, Cork were humiliated in the championship. Following the resignation of manager Larry Tompkins, Counihan was, at one point, installed as the favourite to succeed him in the position. On that occasion the job went to former manager Billy Morgan.
Counihan also enjoyed a successful stint as coach of the senior football team with his own Aghada club. Counihan’s side won the All-Ireland Sevens title in 2004 and reached the semi-final of the county championship in 2005. Following that defeat Counihan resigned as coach and became involved in the underage sections of the Aghada club.
. Following a lengthy strike by the players Holland was removed as manager without overseeing a single game and Counihan was installed as manager in February 2008.
. The subsequent provincial decider saw Cork take on reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry for the fourth successive year. Few pundits and commentators gave Counihan's side any chance and at half-time Kerry were cruising by eight points. Cork, however, stormed back in the second-half as Kerry could only muster three points and Cork secured a 1-16 to 1-11 victory. It was a huge turnaround for Cork and a huge boost for Counihan. Due to the format of the championship both sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
have been touted as two teams that could possibly break the stranglehold that Kerry and Tyrone
have on the All-Ireland title, however, Cork’s football team vowed to withdraw from the championship if the strike by their hurling counterparts was not resolved. In the end all difficulties were resolved with the resignation of hurling manager Gerald McCarthy, and Counihan’s plans for his team were back on track. A good National League campaign saw Cork reach the final of Division 2. Monaghan provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Cork secured a well-earned 1-14 to 0-12 victory and promotion to the top flight of the football league. Cork later qualified for the Munster final against Limerick
. The game looked to be going away from Cork, however, ‘the Rebels’ fought back. Cork went on to win by a solitary point on a score line of 2-6 to 0-11. Comprehensive defeats of Donegal
and Tyrone
saw Cork reach a second All-Ireland final in three years. Old rivals Kerry provided the opposition and, while Cork were the slight favourites, Kerry had the trump card of having never lost a game to Cork at Croke Park
. Kerry stuttered in the opening period and trailed by 0-1 to 1-3 early in the first-half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan while Cork recorded fourteen wides. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0-16 to 1-9.
gave Cork their first Division 1 title since 1999. It was another milestone on Counihan's managerial curriculum vitae, however, he still faced criticism over his team selection and relaxed managerial style. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final
in four years. Down
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. It took Cork fifty minutes to regain the lead which they surrendered in the fifth minute and, following that point by Paul Kerrigan
, the team never looked back. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0-16 to 0-15 and Counihan had finally guided his native county to the All-Ireland, a first in twenty years.
This was the end of his first term as manager of the team, however it was confirmed on 27 October 2010 that he would remain in charge for another two year term.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
and former player. He is the current manager of the Cork senior football team.
Regarded as the greatest centre-back of his generation, Counihan enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Aghada
Aghada GAA
Aghada GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Aghada, Cork, Ireland. The club fields both Gaelic football and hurling teams in competitions organized by Cork County Board. The club is part of the Imokilly division of Cork...
and Imokilly
Imokilly GAA
Imokilly GAA is a Gaelic football and Hurling division in the east of Cork, Ireland. The division includes towns such as Midleton, Cobh, and Youghal. It is one of eight divisions of Cork County Board. It organizes competitions for the clubs within the division, from Under 12 up to the adult level...
, and at inter-county level with Cork. He was a key member of the latter team during the 'golden age' of the late 1980s and collected two consecutive All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
titles and four consecutive Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
titles.
Immediately after his retirement from inter-county activity, Counihan became involved in coaching. He served as a selector on the Cork senior football team under both Billy Morgan
Billy Morgan (Gaelic footballer)
Billy Morgan is a former Irish Gaelic footballer. In a career that spanned three decades from the early 1960s to the early 1980s he played football at club level with University College Cork and Nemo Rangers, at inter-county level with Cork and at inter-provincial level with Munster...
and Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football at various times with his local clubs Eadestown in Kildare and Castlehaven in Cork. He also played football with both the Kildare and Cork senior inter-county teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s...
, while also coaching the Aghada senior football team. Counihan was appointed manager of the Cork senior football team in February 2008.
Club
Counihan played his club football with his local club in AghadaAghada GAA
Aghada GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Aghada, Cork, Ireland. The club fields both Gaelic football and hurling teams in competitions organized by Cork County Board. The club is part of the Imokilly division of Cork...
and enjoyed some success. It was, however, with divisional side Imokilly
Imokilly GAA
Imokilly GAA is a Gaelic football and Hurling division in the east of Cork, Ireland. The division includes towns such as Midleton, Cobh, and Youghal. It is one of eight divisions of Cork County Board. It organizes competitions for the clubs within the division, from Under 12 up to the adult level...
that he enjoyed the ultimate success in club football.
In 1980 Counihan enjoyed his first success with his native club when Imokilly defeated Cloyne
Cloyne GAA
Cloyne GAA club is located in the small town of Cloyne in east County Cork, Ireland. Founded in 1887 they have yet to win a Cork Senior Hurling Championship title and have the dubious distinction of losing in the last 3 finals...
to take the divisional junior football title. Aghada retained this title in 1981, before later qualifying to play Ballincollig
Ballincollig GAA
Ballincollig GAA is a Gaelic football and hurling club based in the town of Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland. The club is affiliated with the Cork GAA board and plays in the Muskerry divisional competitions...
in the final of the county junior championship
Cork Junior Football Championship
The Cork Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition in Cork. The competition was originally established in 1895 as a competition for second teams of clubs playing in the Cork Senior Football Championship. This is the fourth level of football clubs, under Senior, Premier...
. The game was a close affair, however, Counihan's side were beaten by 2-11 to 2-7.
Aghada took the divisional title at junior level again in 1983, however, Counihan's side failed to build on this and take the county title.
In 1984 Counihan was on the divisional team as Imokilly reached the final of the county senior championship for the first time ever. Mighty St. Finbarr's
St. Finbarr's GAA
St. Finbarr's National Hurling and Football Club is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the Togher area of Cork city, County Cork, Ireland....
provided the opposition and were installed as the favourites. The game went Imokilly's way as the men from east Cork, an area known as a hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
stronghold, claimed their first ever title with a 1-14 to 2-7 score line.
After surrendering their title the following year, Imokilly were back in the championship decider again in 1986. Once again it was St. Finbarr's who provided the opposition, however, on this occasion 'the Barr's' were the reigning county champions. The game was a close, low-scoring affair, however, Imokilly eventually triumphed by 2-4 to 0-9 and Counihan picked up a second county championship winners' medal.
In 1987 Counihan's divisional side had the chance to make it two-in-a-row and retain their title. Nemo Rangers
Nemo Rangers GAA
Nemo Rangers Hurling and Football Club is a Cork-based Gaelic Athletic Association club on the southside of Cork city, Ireland. The club was founded in 1922 and is primarily concerned with the game of Gaelic football, though interest in hurling has escalated in recent years.-History:Nemo Rangers...
were the opponents, however, Imokilly were handily beaten by 2-11 to 0-9. the year also ended with Aghada losing the east Cork final.
In 1989 Counihan added a fourth divisional title to his collection before later lining out in the county championship final. Knocknagree
Knocknagree GAA
Knocknagree GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the village of Knocknagree in the North West of County Cork and is situated approximately one mile from the border with Kerry...
were the opponents and, after a draw and a replay, Counihan's side triumphed by 0-8 to 0-4 and gained promotion to intermediate level
Cork Intermediate Football Championship
This is the Second tier Gaelic football team competition organized by the Cork GAA board. This championship was discontinued after 1938 because of a lack of clubs. From 1939 until 1964 any team that won the Junior County Football Final could go straight to Senior. The Intermediate Championship was...
.
After just two years in intermediate level Aghada reached the championship final with Ballincollig providing the opposition. A narrow 0-9 to 0-8 victory gave Counihan a county intermediate championship winners' medal and entry to the top flight of club football in Cork.
Inter-county
Counihan first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork under-21 football team in 1980. That year he won a MunsterMunster Under-21 Football Championship
The Munster Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Munster, in Ireland....
title in this grade following a 3-15 to 0-4 trouncing of Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
. Cork later qualified for the All-Ireland final. Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a 2-8 to 1-5 score line gave victory to Cork and gave Counihan a coveted All-Ireland
All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship
The All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
under-21 winners’ medal.
The following year Counihan joined the Cork senior football team, however, success was slow in coming due to the dominance of Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
. In 1984 Counihan was also a key member of the Cork junior football team. That he won a Munster
Munster Junior Football Championship
The Munster Junior football championship is an annual Gaelic football competition between the Munster GAA counties. The rules with respect to who is eligible vary between the counties. In Cork and Kerry, the players can not play with a senior club. In the other four counties, any player who is not...
title in this grade following a 1-12 to 0-9 defeat of Kerry. The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against English side Warwickshire
Warwickshire GAA
The Warwickshire County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in Warwickshire. The county board is also responsible for the Warwickshire inter-county teams-Hurling:In 2005 Warwickshire fielded a hurling team in...
. An absolute rout took place and Cork won easily by 3-20 to 0-7, giving Counihan a junior All-Ireland
All-Ireland Junior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association competition for junior gaelic football inter-county teams in Ireland. The definition of what constitutes a junior player differs from county to county. In some, the junior team is the second team after the senior team...
winner’s medal.
By the late 1980s Counihan had established himself as a key member of the Cork senior football team. It was an unhappy period for Cork as their nearest neighbours, Kerry, had won eleven of the last twelve Munster titles and had put Cork to the sword on most of those occasions. In 1987 Counihan was appointed captain of the team. The ‘traditional’ Munster final between Cork and Kerry ended in a draw, however, Cork triumphed over the four-in-a-row hopefuls by 0-13 to 1-5. It was Counihan’s first Munster
Munster Senior Football Championship
The Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
winners' medla in the senior grade. Cork subsequently qualified for the All-Ireland final with Meath providing the opposition. Mid-way through the first-half Cork had a goal chance blocked by Mick Lyons
Mick Lyons
Michael "Mick" Lyons is an English former footballer in the 1970s and 1980s. He is most famous as captain of Everton during this period.-Everton:...
when Jimmy Kerrigan
Jimmy Kerrigan
Jimmy Kerrigan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1978 until 1990. Kerrigan is one of the most decorated inter-county club footballers of all-time...
looked to be through for a seven-point lead. Instead, it was Meath who led by 1-6 to 0-8 at half-time, courtesy of a Colm O'Rourke
Colm O'Rourke
Colm O'Rourke is a retired inter-county Irish Gaelic footballer for County Meath in Ireland, a columnist with the Sunday Independent and a panellist on The Sunday Game on RTÉ Television....
goal. Cork’s Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football at various times with his local clubs Eadestown in Kildare and Castlehaven in Cork. He also played football with both the Kildare and Cork senior inter-county teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s...
’s radar was also off course as he missed six out of eight free-kicks. At the full-time whistle Meath were the winners by 1-14 to 0-11.
In 1988 Counihan’s side made it back-to-back Munster titles following another win over Kerry. The 1988 Munster Final was also a day Conor Counihan infamously caught Kerry midfield legend Jack O’Shea by the balls literally. A second All-Ireland final appearance beckoned. Meath provided the opposition once again as Cork got off to a good start with a Teddy McCarthy
Teddy McCarthy
Teddy McCarthy is a retired Irish dual player. He played hurling with his local club Sarsfield's and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1986 until 1996. McCarthy also played Gaelic football with his local club Glanmire and with the Cork senior inter-county team from 1987 until 1995...
goal. By the end of the game Cork led by a point, however, Brian Stafford
Brian Stafford
Brian Stafford is a retired inter-county Irish Gaelic footballer for County Meath in Ireland. He enjoyed much success play inter-county football in the 80's & early 90's on the Meath teams managed by Sean Boylan. For Meath he usually played at Full Forward. He played club football for Kilmainhamwood...
scored the equaliser. The replay was a controversial affair. Meath’s Gerry McEntee
Gerry McEntee
Gerry McEntee was the manager of the 2008 Dublin minor football team and is a retired inter-county Irish Gaelic footballer for County Meath in Ireland. He enjoyed much success playing inter-county football in the Eighties & early Nineties on the Meath teams managed by Sean Boylan, for whom he...
was sent-off after just seven minutes. In spite of being reduced to fourteen men, Meath hung on for a narrow 0-13 to 0-12 victory. It was Counihan’s second consecutive All-Ireland final defeat.
1989 began well for Counihan. Defeats of Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
and New York
New York GAA
The New York County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or New York GAA, is one of the county boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in the New York metropolitan area...
gave him a coveted National Football League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
title. A record-breaking third consecutive Munster title was subsequently secured by Counihan and, once again, Cork qualified for a third consecutive All-Ireland final. Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
were the opponents on this occasion and the game was a close affair for much of the opening half. An Anthony Finnerty goal after thirty-eight minutes gave Mayo a brief lead, however, the Connacht champs failed to score for the last nineteen minutes. Teddy McCarthy took control and Cork secured victory by 0-17 to 1-11. It was Counihan’s first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
winners’ medal and Cork’s first championship title since 1973. At the end of the year Counihan was presented with his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
In 1990 Counihan was sill a key member of the team. That year Cork made it a remarkable four Munster titles on the trot. A fourth consecutive All-Ireland final appearance quickly followed, with old rivals Meath providing the opposition. Cork suffered a blow in the first-half when Colm O'Neill
Colm O'Neill (born 1964)
Colm O'Neill is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football and hurling with his local club Midleton and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county football team from 1984 until 1991....
was sent off; however, Shay Fahy was playing a blinder at midfield. In spite of only having fourteen men Cork won the game by 0-11 to 0-9. It was a second consecutive All-Ireland title for Counihan and it was the first time that Cork had achieved back-to-back championships. This victory was all the more special as the Cork hurling team had already won their respective All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
title a fortnight earlier. It was the first time in the modern era that a county had won the hurling and football ‘double
The Double (Gaelic games)
The Double is a term in Gaelic games that refers to a county winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in the same year. Other major trophies won in combination in the same year at minor or under-21 levels are also often referred to as...
’. A second consecutive All-Star award quickly followed.
The following few years saw Cork surrender their Munster crown and Counihan was confined to the substitute’s bench. He played no part in Cork's Munster title victory in 1993; however, he later made an appearance in the All-Ireland final with Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
providing the opposition. Things did not go to plan as 'the Rebels' were reduced to fourteen men when Tony Davis
Tony Davis (Gaelic footballer)
Anthony 'Tony' Davis is a former Irish sportsperson. He played senior football with Cork in the 1980s and 1990s..-Early & private life:...
was harshly red-carded. Séamus Downey scored the winning goal as Derry secured their first All-Ireland with a 1-14 to 2-8 victory. Counihan retired from inter-county activity following this defeat.
Inter-provincial
Counihan also lined out with MunsterMunster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
in the inter-provincial football competition, however, he enjoyed little success. He played with Munster for six seasons between 1986 and 1992, however, he ended up on the losing side on each occasion and finished his career without a Railway Cup title.
Early managerial career
In retirement from playing Counihan maintained a strong interest in the game. Immediately after his inter-county retirement his services were employed as a selector in 1994 with Cork manager Billy MorganBilly Morgan (Gaelic footballer)
Billy Morgan is a former Irish Gaelic footballer. In a career that spanned three decades from the early 1960s to the early 1980s he played football at club level with University College Cork and Nemo Rangers, at inter-county level with Cork and at inter-provincial level with Munster...
. That year Cork retained their Munster title following another convincing victory over Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
. Cork, however, were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Five years later in 1999 Counihan played a vital role alongside Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins
Larry Tompkins is a retired Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football at various times with his local clubs Eadestown in Kildare and Castlehaven in Cork. He also played football with both the Kildare and Cork senior inter-county teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s...
as a specialist backs coach and as a selector. The year was a successful one, beginning with the capture of the National League title following a two-point defeat of Dublin. Cork later reclaimed the Munster title after an absence of four years. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, with old enemies Meath providing the opposition. Ollie Murphy
Ollie Murphy
Ollie Murphy is a Meath Footballer. He plays club football for Carnaross. He came to national prominence in 1999 when he was one of Meath's best player's as they won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship that year, scoring the decisive goal in that year's All Ireland final...
scored a goal in the first-half that proved decisive for Meath. Graham Geraghty missed a penalty for ‘the Royals’ immediately after the interval, before a Joe Kavanagh
Joe Kavanagh
Joe Kavanagh is an Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1992 until 2002. His brother, Derek Kavanagh, also played football with Cork.-References:-Teams:...
goal gave Cork a brief lead. At the full-time whistle Cork were beaten by 1-11 to 1-8.
Counihan returned as a backs coach again in 2003, however, Cork were humiliated in the championship. Following the resignation of manager Larry Tompkins, Counihan was, at one point, installed as the favourite to succeed him in the position. On that occasion the job went to former manager Billy Morgan.
Counihan also enjoyed a successful stint as coach of the senior football team with his own Aghada club. Counihan’s side won the All-Ireland Sevens title in 2004 and reached the semi-final of the county championship in 2005. Following that defeat Counihan resigned as coach and became involved in the underage sections of the Aghada club.
Managing Cork
In 2007 when Billy Morgan left as Cork senior football manager Counihan was one of the favourites to take the post. He was, however, overlooked again and the post went to Teddy HollandTeddy Holland
Teddy Holland is an Irish retired Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local clubs Ballinascarthy and St. Finbarr's and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1969 until 1970...
. Following a lengthy strike by the players Holland was removed as manager without overseeing a single game and Counihan was installed as manager in February 2008.
2008: First Munster title
Counihan was appointed manager at a time when Cork were facing a relegation battle in the National Football League. This occurred as a result of the team forfeiting their first few games because of the strike. Cork fought back immediately under Counihan and put up a respectable display in their remaining games, ensuring their position in Division 2 for the following year. Cork's first outing in the Munster Championship was a semi-final appearance that was less than convincing. The game saw Cork score two late goals to narrowly defeat LimerickLimerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
. The subsequent provincial decider saw Cork take on reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry for the fourth successive year. Few pundits and commentators gave Counihan's side any chance and at half-time Kerry were cruising by eight points. Cork, however, stormed back in the second-half as Kerry could only muster three points and Cork secured a 1-16 to 1-11 victory. It was a huge turnaround for Cork and a huge boost for Counihan. Due to the format of the championship both sides met again in the All-Ireland semi-final, however, after a thrilling draw and a replay Kerry were the team that advanced to the championship decider.
2009: Munster success, All-Ireland defeat
A strike by the Cork hurling team in late 2008 and early 2009 posed a headache for Counihan. Cork and GalwayGalway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
have been touted as two teams that could possibly break the stranglehold that Kerry and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
have on the All-Ireland title, however, Cork’s football team vowed to withdraw from the championship if the strike by their hurling counterparts was not resolved. In the end all difficulties were resolved with the resignation of hurling manager Gerald McCarthy, and Counihan’s plans for his team were back on track. A good National League campaign saw Cork reach the final of Division 2. Monaghan provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Cork secured a well-earned 1-14 to 0-12 victory and promotion to the top flight of the football league. Cork later qualified for the Munster final against Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
. The game looked to be going away from Cork, however, ‘the Rebels’ fought back. Cork went on to win by a solitary point on a score line of 2-6 to 0-11. Comprehensive defeats of Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
saw Cork reach a second All-Ireland final in three years. Old rivals Kerry provided the opposition and, while Cork were the slight favourites, Kerry had the trump card of having never lost a game to Cork at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. Kerry stuttered in the opening period and trailed by 0-1 to 1-3 early in the first-half. The Kerry team stuck to their gameplan while Cork recorded fourteen wides. At the full-time whistle Kerry were the champions again by 0-16 to 1-9.
2010: All-Ireland champions
Cork recovered from the previous year's All-Ireland defeat by having a successful National League campaign in early 2010. A defeat of MayoMayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
gave Cork their first Division 1 title since 1999. It was another milestone on Counihan's managerial curriculum vitae, however, he still faced criticism over his team selection and relaxed managerial style. A defeat by Kerry in a replay of the provincial semi-final resulted in Cork being exiled to the All-Ireland qualifiers. After negotiating their way through a difficult series of games, Cork defeated Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
to qualify for their third All-Ireland final
2010 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
The 2010 All-Ireland Football Final was the 123rd event of its kind, and the last football match of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2010, it was played between Cork and Down on 19 September 2010 in Croke Park, Dublin....
in four years. Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
provided the opposition on that occasion in the first meeting between these two teams since 1994. Cork got off to a lightning start, however, they eased off and trailed by three points at the interval. It took Cork fifty minutes to regain the lead which they surrendered in the fifth minute and, following that point by Paul Kerrigan
Paul Kerrigan
Paul Kerrigan is an Irish sportsperson. He plays Gaelic football with his local club Nemo Rangers and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2008. He is the son of Jimmy Kerrigan, a footballer of note in the 1980s.-Club:Kerrigan plays his club football with the famous Nemo...
, the team never looked back. Cork stretched the lead to three points, however, Down fought back. At the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 0-16 to 0-15 and Counihan had finally guided his native county to the All-Ireland, a first in twenty years.
This was the end of his first term as manager of the team, however it was confirmed on 27 October 2010 that he would remain in charge for another two year term.
Aghada
- Cork Intermediate Football ChampionshipCork Intermediate Football ChampionshipThis is the Second tier Gaelic football team competition organized by the Cork GAA board. This championship was discontinued after 1938 because of a lack of clubs. From 1939 until 1964 any team that won the Junior County Football Final could go straight to Senior. The Intermediate Championship was...
:- Winner (1): 1991
- Cork Junior Football ChampionshipCork Junior Football ChampionshipThe Cork Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition in Cork. The competition was originally established in 1895 as a competition for second teams of clubs playing in the Cork Senior Football Championship. This is the fourth level of football clubs, under Senior, Premier...
:- Winner (1): 1989
- East Cork Junior Football Championship:
- Winner (4): 1980, 1981, 1983, 1989
- Runner-up (1): 1977
Imokilly
- Cork Senior Football Championship:
- Winner (1): 1984, 1986
- Runner-up (1): 1987
Cork
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
:- Winner (2): 1989, 1990
- Runner-up (3): 1987 (c), 1988, 1993
- Munster Senior Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (4): 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990
- Runner-up (2): 1985, 1986
- National Football League (Div 1)National Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
:- Winner (1): 1988-89
- All-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association competition for junior gaelic football inter-county teams in Ireland. The definition of what constitutes a junior player differs from county to county. In some, the junior team is the second team after the senior team...
:- Winner (1): 1984
- Munster Junior Football ChampionshipMunster Junior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Junior football championship is an annual Gaelic football competition between the Munster GAA counties. The rules with respect to who is eligible vary between the counties. In Cork and Kerry, the players can not play with a senior club. In the other four counties, any player who is not...
:- Winner (1): 1984
Cork
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
:- Winner (1): 2010
- Runner-up (1): 2009
- Munster Senior Football ChampionshipMunster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Munster Senior Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition in the game of football played in the province of Munster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Munster Council and are played during the summer months...
:- Winner (2): 2008, 2009
- National Football League (Div 1)National Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
:- Winner (2): 2010, 2011
- National Football League (Div 2)National Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
:- Winner (1): 2009