Allianz League County by County Guide - Cork

Reigning champions Cork have an impeccable record under Conor Counihan in the Allianz Football League, claiming honours in each of his last three years in charge. In 2009, Division II success was the platform for a run to the All-Ireland semi-finals, before the Rebels claimed the title in the top tier in each of the last two years, with 2010 bringing double success and a first All-Ireland title in 20 years.

Manager: Conor Counihan

Captain: Graham Canty

First Game: Armagh away, Sunday February 5

Last Year: Allianz League Division I champions

Key Man: Colm O’Neill

One to Watch: Seán Kiely

Departures: John Miskella (retired), Anthony Lynch (retired)

Last year’s impressive comeback defeat of Dublin in the Division I final proved an unreliable bellwether, however, as Cork, struggling with injuries to key players, made their earliest ever Championship exit under Counihan, losing to Mayo at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage.

Veteran defenders John Miskella and Anthony Lynch have retired and following recent McGrath Cup success there is optimism on Leeside that Counihan is planning to blood plenty of young talent from recent successful underage teams in this year’s competition. Liam Shorten, a member of the All-Ireland winning Junior team last year, Seánie Cahalane, Paul Honohan, Conor O’Driscoll and Seán Kiely are all forcing their way into the manager’s plans and can expect plenty of game time this spring.

Another bonus for the Rebels is the return of Colm O’Neill from long-term injury. The Ballyclough man, who captained the Cork U21s to All-Ireland success in 2009, was in and out of the team in 2010 but was in brilliant form at the start of last season when he suffered an unfortunate cruciate knee injury in the win over Galway last March.

Once he overcomes a slight hamstring injury, O’Neill should play a big part in Cork’s campaign, especially as fellow forwards Ciarán Sheehan and Daniel Goulding are unlikely to play much – if any – part in the competition due to long-term injury problems.

Although winning the title for a third year running might be beyond them, Cork look eminently capable of reaching the semi-finals. They face Ulster opposition in each of their first three games – Armagh, Down and then Donegal – and should have a last four berth wrapped up before they face Dublin in Round 7 on April 8 in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Click here and use the drop down menus for Cork's fixtures in the 2012 Allianz Football League.