'You are not going to turn Cork football around overnight but winning is an important building block'

CORK County Board chairperson Tracey Kennedy has re-affirmed her support for football manager Ronan McCarthy.

Despite a first win in Division 2, Cork are still deep in relegation trouble with two games left. Their 1-12 to 0-12 triumph against Tipperary in Thurles on Saturday night leaves Cork at the bottom of the table on scoring difference from Tipp and Clare with two teams facing the drop.

“Ronan has the support of the board, absolutely. We find ourselves in a very difficult position, but I can’t fault the manager or the players because I can see the work and the effort they’re putting in.

“I do believe we have the talent to dig ourselves out of the situation that we’re in.

“Ronan has a three-year term and obviously at the end of the season we review the situation as we do with every manager. Ronan has my full backing and the backing of Cork county board,” Kennedy said.

A late Ruairí Deane goal and some frantic defending helped Cork to a morale-boosting victory with games against Donegal (home) and Armagh (away) to come.

“I’m glad for the lads and you could see what it meant to them coming off the pitch there at the end. It meant a lot.

“My heart goes out to them because I know the pressure they’re under and they are trying to do their best. I agree with Ronan in that there is no quick fix. 

"We have a young team with some new players and some experience as well. You’re not going to turn around Cork’s football fortunes overnight, but a win like this is an important building block,” she added.