Managing expectations - Rebels ready to look outside the county?

Breaking with tradition and considering a manager from outside the county is an option the Cork county board should at least consider, says Christy O'Connor.

Kieran Kingston stepped away from the hotseat for the second time after Cork’s championship ended at the hands of Galway at the quarter-final stage.

After roles as selector and coach, Kingston was appointed manager for 2016 and 2017 and won a Munster title in his second season.

He stepped aside later that year but returned in 2020 and led Cork to an All-Ireland final in 2021.

He departs with Cork still awaiting a first All-Ireland since 2005, and speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, O’Connor, who spent two years working under Kingston as a coach in the Cork set-up, says a break with tradition of appointing within should at least be considered.

The county board accepted applications for the football post last year from outside the county before plumping for Keith Ricken, and while there are some strong candidates and former players linked to the position already - former Cork goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack was coy on his own designs on the job on The Sunday Game last night - the Clare man says an outside pair of eyes could have certain advantages even if it went against the traditionalist approach.

Cork is ripe for an outsider

"Ben O’Connor, Noel Furlong, Pat Mulcahy are great fellas," he said when asked about the men linked with the role within Cork hurling circles.

"Pat Ryan has had issues with his health, but is an incredible guy. He’s so knowledgeable and has been really successful with the Under-20 and created a huge culture there.

"I don’t know if Pat wants the job. If he wants the job, to me, he’s the only candidate.

"Would they (county board) go outside? I don’t know. Is it