RETURNING CORK HURLING manager Kieran Kingston acknowledges that there is some unfinished business with regard to the role but he isn’t losing sight of the size of the task at hand.
Kingston’s appointment as success to John Meyler – whom he preceded – was confirmed at last night’s Cork county board meeting at Páirc Uí Chaoimh and he was unveiled along with U20 manager Pat Ryan, minor boss Dónal Óg Cusack, U16 manager Noel Furlong and high-performance manager Aidan O’Connell this morning.
Having led Cork to the Munster title in 2017, Kingston endured an All-Ireland semi-final loss to Waterford and he is keen to improve on that. However, Cork lost to Kilkenny at the quarter-final stage this year and Kingston is cognisant of the need to improve.
“We have to be realistic as well,” he said.
“We are where we are – if you take the top ten or 11 teams in the country, at the moment, based on results, we’re a mid-table team.
“There’s a massive challenge there and a huge amount of work to be done, I’m very aware of that, but there’s still a hunger and a passion to get that holy grail and have us competing at the top table on an ongoing basis.
“There’s a degree of that [unfinished business] but there’s a passion and a hunger for hurling and it never goes away.”
When Kingston departed at the end of 2017, work commitments were cited as a major reason. This time round, he is happy that the landscape is satisfactory for him to resume.
“At the time, when I did leave in 2017, I had very good reasons for it,” he said.
“I didn’t rule out, if the opportunity arose, coming back at some stage, but I didn’t think it would be so soon.
“Once John decided to step down and support came from the players and the people around this table, I said that if I could add something to the group then I still had the hunger and it was an itch I had to scratch again.
“Once the opportunity came, I grabbed it with both hands.”
But he is clear in his intentions that it isn’t just about taking part.
“I’m not here to be competitive,” Kingston said, “we’re here to win if we can at all.
“I know it’s a massive challenge, not just for me but for everyone at this table. I suppose we’re starved of success and you heard what Tracey [Kennedy, county chairperson] said there, since 1990 we have won four All-Irelands and next year is 14 since we’ve won a senior.
“Everybody is focused and you can see with the appointments at board and Aidan [O’Connell, high-performance manager] that it’s about trying to create a winning culture and one that puts Cork in a position to compete at the top table at all levels.
“We know it’s not going to be easy and I’m certainly not going to sit here and give any guarantees or promises except that we’ll do everything in our power to have Cork competing into the future.”
Super attitude….Fair play to him and best of luck with the rehabilitation…. Others could learn a thing or two from people like Jamie
Great article and a Fantastic attitude to have , great to see , I wish him all the best in his recovery , his never say die attitude will help him so much ! A True warrior ..
Two things you can never reach is heart and determination .. It’s something this chap was born with
I sincerely hope all goes well Jamie. An unbelievable attitude to adversity. Hat tip to you .
Jamie if you were a cork minor and u21 you have the goods mentally and physically. All the very best with everything mate.
Inspirational stuff. Keep brave Jamie, you’re a credit to everything that is great about sport.
I hated reading this story to be honest. I find myself giving out about the smallest things in life. It is hard to believe this kind of thing can happen overnight especially to a person who was playing sport at the highest level. It just proves once again how fragile life is and how were here to live it. Keep the faith Jamie, you’ve given one person a different perspective for the future. Best of luck.
Inspirational young man. The very best of Luck to you.
Wow. inspiratonal.
An utterly remarkable attitude. So many of us could learn from this young man. Every good wish for your recovery I hope you achieve your goals
Inspirational stuff
Best of luck in your recovery Jamie your a brave young man, an inspiration and a credit to your family.
This guy really puts the “The only disability in life is a bad attitude” motto into practice. Great story and really hope he pulls through with his recovery!
We all need to not worry about the small silly things in life. From a fellow 21ish year old Jamie all the best in your recovery, your an absolute shining inspiration to everybody.
Great Athlete, incredible Man.
Absolute respect, big lad. You have the heart of a feckin lion. All the very best to you and your family.
Serious respect!
Jasmine your an inspiration to a doorway of possibilities. You are so brave and ambitious I bet in a while you will be much improved. Keep up the brilliant work.
What an inspiring article. Young people who ruin their lives with drink n drugs should spend 1 day with Jamie n it might open their eyes. Best of luck Jamie from all in Ballinhassig.
Just curious but why would people click RED on this article this guy has gone from leading a full physical active walking life to a complete change which I can’t even think what it must have been like for him. I hope all goes well for him Keep going wan’ts your attitude gives up then it’s a step back. I work with special needs children & adults i know how hard it can be for them to do simple things but they never give up & we as so called normal able bodied people could learn a lot from them. Keep going never give up.
Incredible resolve and inspirational story. Most people think they have regular (mostly petty) day to day problems but when you hear a story like Jamie’s it shows what true courage and determine really is! Best of luck bud!
Jamie you are inspirational . Keep the chin up and best of luck with everything in the future
Best of luck with your recovery Jamie. Children had great fun with you last Easter at hurling camp in Ballyvourney.
Hope to see with us again. From all in Laochra Og
Best of luck Jamie your an Inspiration from KILLAVULLEN GAA CLUB
Best of luck Jamie, Inspirational stuff ! great hurler with great attitude !
From one Kilbrittain man to another !
Excellent attitude! maybe I didn’t read it properly but is he still in a wheelchair?
Heroic attitude. Inspiration
Inspiring article ,what a brave young man , head up Jamie may God guide and protect you ,wishing you all the best for the future from all in the Kingdom
Truly remarkable attitude from this young man, he is a fine example of a human being. All the best with your rehabilitation, I’ll be praying that Plan A is not too far away.
Best of luck Jamie …slowly but surely is the motto…..you have a great attitude
Best wishes Jamie, here’s to the day we’re watching you playing in Croke Park!
What an honest interview. I wish Jamie the best of luck for his future and I wish him good Karma.
Best of luck in your recovery, Dunlaoirthe is the best place in the country to get better. Not not only have the rebels but the whole country behind you…
Jamie you are an inspiration to us all…and only 21 years..what maturity..I hope and pray that you will be back on your feet before too long..
Know this young man’s family, all top drawer. If ever there was someone who could beat this it’s Jamie Wall. Our thoughts are with you all.
Stay positive jamie you will get dark days and fed up , and the why me .. you are a inspiration strong in mind , heart and determination. .praying for you xx
Great article Jamie- inspirational stuff. Well done