Captain Cusack

1st Nov 2011

A major position of power has recently been filled by an honourable man with good principles. He has an admirable track record and a history of significant achievements.

He comes across well in the media and he isn’t shy of telling it like it is. And unless you have had your head buried in the coverage of the trivial Irish presidential election, you will know that the captaincy of the Cork hurlers has been awarded to goalkeeper extraordinaire Donal Óg Cusack.

Captain Cusack

This has raised a few eyebrows around town in so far as it was perceived that those heavily involved in the winter of discontent three years ago were to be diplomatically sidelined from high office to please the powers that be under the stands at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Bainisteoir JBM has made a big decision in awarding Cusack the position and we can take from this that the St. Finbarr’s legend intends putting the best fifteen Cork men he can find on the field come next May regardless of whether they have ruffled suited feathers or rowed the boat down at the Pairc. Cork must come first. Always.

Fans around the county could be forgiven for feeling a little giddy though. This decision must mean that JBM isn’t intent on a wholesale clearout of the over-thirties in the squad paving the way for the return of Seán Óg. And remember, Aisake Ó hAilpín’s unexpected departure was attributed to his brother’s omission from the 2010 squad.
 

Clare's Tony Griffin reaches for outside fun bag

Seán Óg’s somewhat controversial omission from this year’s squad may have been premature given his vast experience. Donal and Seán Óg are kindred spirits and even if the latter doesn’t make the starting fifteen any hurler would go that extra mile knowing the Na Piarsigh stalwart is counting on him.
 

Anyway, it’s only November so we’ll say nothing more – although you can probably hear us think out loud.