Harshest scrutiny on Kingston came from people within Cork, says O'Sullivan

Cork manager Kieran Kingston and selector Diarmuid O'Sullivan ©INPHO/Ken Sutton

Outgoing Cork senior hurling selector Diarmuid O’Sullivan has hit out over the criticism Kieran Kingston and his management team received within their own county this past year.

Kingston officially stepped down from his post on Sunday evening after confirming that he wouldn’t seek another term in charge of the Rebels. 

Speaking in an interview with OTB AM, O’Sullivan said that Kingston had worked under some of the “most scrutinised conditions any inter-county manager has faced”.

“Whatever about national media, some of the harshest scrutiny has come from people within Cork, who have worn the red jersey, people who have stood on the line doing certain roles as part of Cork setup.

“It’s tough when your own turn on you, start to throw snide remarks, digs. I’m thick-skinned. Some of it does concern because when it comes from your own, it’s probably hard to take. There’s reason behind everything, why people do this.

“A lot of things are driven through social media. Through that you need to find balance. There’s a number of guys in the game of hurling, look at Paul Murphy, he’s one of the most balanced guys I’ve ever seen talk about the game of hurling. To be fair Eddie Brennan similar, Jamesie O’Connor. They’re fair but judgemental at the same time.

“Kieran has worked under some of the most scrutinised conditions any inter-county manager has faced. I do believe that Cork manager’s job is still the most attractive in the country. That’s my opinion.”