Cork GAA confirmed on Sunday evening that Kieran Kingston would not be seeking another term as manager of the county's senior hurling team. In his second stint as Cork boss, Kingston had managed the rebels for the past three seasons.
By his side during that time was Cork legend Diarmuid O'Sullivan. The Rock posted to social media on Sunday evening saying he was "proud" to have stood beside Kingston, while also bemoaning the scrutiny to which they were subjected by former Cork players working in the media.
"Scrutinised to the extreme by those who wore red," O'Sullivan wrote, "stood on the line as red so they could remain relevant through various media outlets. When they walk the walk!!"
Incredible proud to stand with Kieran over the last 3 yrs. Thank you for everything and staying true to your vision. Scrutinised to the extreme by those who wore red , stood on the line as red so they could remain relevant through various media outlets. When they walk the walk !! pic.twitter.com/hdmELi2TiJ
— Diarmuid O'Sullivan (@dsully3) July 3, 2022
Kingston had initially served as a selector and coach under Jimmy Barry-Murphy between 2012 and 2014, before being appointed manager for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He returned to the role in 2020.
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'The Cork job is one of the most prestigious in hurling'
"Kieran Kingston has been an outstanding servant," three-time Cork All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack told The Sunday Game.
"As a player, he won an All-Ireland medal. I was involved with him as a player. I know, and have seen, the work that he's putting into that. He owes Cork absolutely nothing in terms of his effort.
"I've played for Cork since I was 14. The Cork manager's job is one of the most prestigious, and important, in the game of hurling. Anybody who has been involved with Cork, of course they would like to manage Cork at one stage, but there's a process there, and let the process take its course.
"A man I soldiered with was by [Kieran's] side all the way, Diarmuid O'Sullivan. A player, managing underage teams for Cork. He's worthy of a mention also."
Davy Fitzgerald, a member of the Cork camogie backroom team this season, has been suggested as a possible successor to Kingston.
"There's definitely potential in the group," the Clareman told The Sunday Game.
"There's a lot of good people in Cork. I'm delighted at the moment that I've an All-Ireland camogie semi-final to get ready for [with Cork] in two weeks time.
"Kieran Kingston doesn't owe anything to Cork. He's done a fantastic job over a number of years, been manager and a selector."
Kieran Kingston will not seek another term in charge of Cork. But who will succeed him? And are they seated in the RTÉ studio? pic.twitter.com/PBOrBBv0fJ
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 3, 2022
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