The dust has not settled on Liam McCarthy in Tipperary but next season preparations are already in motion.
Defeated All Ireland finalists Cork have now started searching for a successor for Pat Ryan. The Sarsfields club man announced his intention to step down from the role last weekend.
The tragic loss of Ray Ryan a devastating blow for Pat Ryan, his family and extended friends. A loss like that focuses the mind. What is important? The importance of family and spending time with those who you love dear always wins.
Hurling fortunes with Cork this year were impressive. Allianz Hurling League was targeted and secured with aplomb. The Munster SHC round robin saw ups and downs before a penalty shootout win over Limerick in the provincial final.
Cork swash buckled their way to the All Ireland SHC final by decisively defeating Dublin. Unfortunately, they faltered badly against Tipperary in the final. A six point lead at half-time despite not playing well saw Tipperary rout Cork and win by fifteen points. An emphatic loss.
The portfolio of work from Pat Ryan and management team was formidable. Two All Ireland SHC final appearances along with the silverware secured this season for some merited Ryan’s extension.
Pat Ryan has made the right call. A new three year term is a significant time commitment. Ryan was quick to note his priority. His family needed to take precedence. He wishes to integrate back to his club.
Was their pressure from the Cork board to adjust his managerial team? Pat Ryan if faced with that ultimatum was going to back his backroom staff to the hilt. New personnel needing time to bed in with existing backroom personnel. The obvious trust issues. It was never going to work.
The image of the Cork managerial team frantically looking for solutions in the second half stood out. Final preparations exposed as the Tipperary sweeper caused havoc. Ronan Maher dominated the full back skies.
The inability to create a full back and goalkeeper depth chart during the league wholly exposed in the second half. What was the approach for the new season to solve the final performance issues? Cork county board surely asked the same question.
Cork got hit by Tipperary in the mouth during the All Ireland final. There was no response. Tipperary dominated the second half. They played the final on their terms. Cork’s final preparations exposed as the side froze. Cork’s run game abandoned for direct ball into the inside forward line. It was a mystifying performance.
Pat Ryan and his management team have served their county well. Cork do need a change in direction. This team is close to All Ireland glory. Player personnel decisions that were postponed last season must happen early next year. These decisions are crucial for the county to get over the line.
I wish Pat Ryan well. His manner and demeanor to the media and fans excellent. Last Saturday’s announcement came on his own terms. He owes the county nothing and his club were quick to issue his press release.
Pat Ryan should be thanked by everyone in Cork for his tenure. His departure though signals an important decision for Cork board.
Ben O’Connor and Noel Furlong are the leading candidates. How will the successor build morale? How will they develop the depth charts needed for this county to secure Liam McCarthy? New voices are needed to invigorate a squad who will be rattled from the final outcome.
The new management team will also need to evolve general performance levels. They must enhance skills across the entire panel, not just the starting lineup. The post Pat Ryan era in Cork starts now. It will be an interesting watch.