Healy leading candidate for Cork role

PEADAR HEALY is the surprise frontrunner to become the next Cork football manager. Healy, a member of Conor Counihan’s All-Ireland winning management team in 2010, is understood to have met with the five-man Cork appointment committee and is reported to be in a strong position. It is understood that Cork All-Ireland winner Paudie Kissane, and former county player Conor McCarthy have been included on his ticket. The Ballyvourney native took charge of Kerry giants Dr Crokes this season, but the club made a shock exit at the quarter-final stage. While he has never managed at intercounty level, he has extensive experience at club level. Cork’s search for a successor to Brian Cuthbert has been prolonged and problematic, with former All-Ireland Under21 winning manager John Cleary declining an offer to take on the job. Two-time All-Ireland-winning manager Billy Morgan has also been linked with the job, but it is believed he has not been formally approached.