Early Managerial Career
In retirement from playing Counihan maintained a strong interest in the game. Immediately after his inter-county retirement his services were employed as a selector in 1994 with Cork manager Billy Morgan. That year Cork retained their Munster title following another convincing victory over Tipperary. Cork, however, were subsequently defeated by eventual champions Down in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Five years later in 1999 Counihan played a vital role alongside Larry Tompkins as a specialist backs coach and as a selector. The year was a successful one, beginning with the capture of the National League title following a two-point defeat of Dublin. Cork later reclaimed the Munster title after an absence of four years. An All-Ireland final appearance beckoned, with old enemies Meath providing the opposition. Ollie Murphy scored a goal in the first-half that proved decisive for Meath. Graham Geraghty missed a penalty for ‘the Royals’ immediately after the interval, before a Joe Kavanagh goal gave Cork a brief lead. At the full-time whistle Cork were beaten by 1-11 to 1-8.
Counihan returned as a backs coach again in 2003, however, Cork were humiliated in the championship. Following the resignation of manager Larry Tompkins, Counihan was, at one point, installed as the favourite to succeed him in the position. On that occasion the job went to former manager Billy Morgan.
Counihan also enjoyed a successful stint as coach of the senior football team with his own Aghada club. Counihan’s side won the All-Ireland Sevens title in 2004 and reached the semi-final of the county championship in 2005. Following that defeat Counihan resigned as coach and became involved in the underage sections of the Aghada club.
Read more about this topic: Conor Counihan
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