GAELIC GAMES:WITH SPECULATION still circulating as to whether or not Jimmy Barry-Murphy is about to return as Cork senior hurling manager, Denis Walsh last night apologised for the nature of the results during his three years in charge, admitting the manner of Cork's exit from the last two championships was "unacceptable".

While it was an unexpectedly frank admission from the former dual All-Ireland winning player, Walsh also maintained his belief that Cork had the ability to turn the corner within the next two to three years, and restore themselves as proper All-Ireland hurling contenders.

“To the players who have displayed a great appreciation of exactly what is required to compete and win at the highest level,” he said, “my belief in their ability to turn the corner over the next two to three years is unwavering.

“I take full responsibility for the results of last two years. Cork remained competitive and produced several decent displays, while at the same time introducing many new players. The manner of our exit from the 2010 and 2011 championships were unacceptable, and I apologise to all Cork supporters for that fact.

“In the words of the American writer Benjamin Graham, ‘you’re neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You’re right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right, and that’s the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don’t have to worry about anybody else . . .’ Hence, I stand over every single decision that was made during that period.”

Those decisions included the controversial dropping of Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, although it remains to be seen if he is still considered good enough by whoever does take charge. Walsh also declared that “as a player and as a coach I have always given unconditional commitment to Cork hurling and football and that shall continue into the future” – which suggests he wouldn’t rule himself out of a possible return somewhere down the road.

But Walsh was informed on Monday evening that the six-man committee charged with nominating the next Cork hurling manager had ruled him out off contention, and with that began the speculation that Barry-Murphy, who previously managed Cork from 1996 to 2000, landing the All-Ireland title in 1999, had become their number one candidate.

“In the best interest of Cork hurling in general, I accepted that democratic decision,” added Walsh. “I am extremely grateful to the three-man committee (Barry-Murphy, Denis Coughlan and John Fenton) who placed their trust in me back in April 2009.

“I am satisfied that in Cork’s hurling greatest hour of need I showed the necessary bottle by accepting the position as manager. I would like to thank my selectors, Pa Finn, Pat Buckley and Jerry Ryan and their respective families for their support and commitment over the past two years.”

The six-man committee thus continuing the search is Cork chairman Jerry O’Sullivan, vice chairman Bob Ryan, secretary Frank Murphy and a representative from junior clubs (John Corcoran of St Mary’s), intermediate clubs (Michael Byrne of Ballyhale) and senior clubs (Pat Horgan of Middleton). Somewhat worryingly, perhaps, there is no player representation.

Whoever is ultimately appointed will have to plan without the services of three-time All Star winning centre back Ronan Curran, who has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling.

While he will continue playing with his club, St Finbarr’s, Curran believes he has accomplished everything possible with Cork.

“I had nine tough years but enjoyable years with Cork,” said Curran. “I’m sad to leave it, but after the Galway defeat in the championship I knew it was time to leave.

“I’m not getting any younger and the legs are getting a bit more tired at this stage. I’ve played a lot of games in the last 10 years or so. I think the time is right.”