Ephie Fitzgerald ratified as Cork boss

Ephie Fitzgerald has been ratified as Cork ladies football boss

The Nemo Rangers clubman was ratified for a two year term at last night's county board meeting.

Fitzgerald had announced that he would be stepping away following the All Ireland semi final defeat to Dublin

He'll be assisted by Michael Twohig of Mourneabbey, Paddy O'Shay of Delaney/Vincent's, Jo Shirkey of Kildorrery and Michelle Dullea of West Cork.

Fitzgerald has been in charge for the past four years since taking over from the legendary Eamonn Ryan, winning an All Ireland title in that time, and speaking after the defeat to Dublin said that he was very proud of the players for what they had achieved

"I'm delighted, really. I came in and people were telling me it was a poisoned chalice with all their previous success, but we won an All Ireland, three leagues, three Munster Championships, so we haven't done too bad.

"But the gold standard is the All Ireland, I accept that. But when you have young girls coming through, today you had Eimear Kiely it was her first time in Croke Park, Niamh Cotter the same, it's a big deal coming up here and playing in Croke Park.

"I'd like to take the time here to pay tribute to my own management group who've been phenomenal, James Masters and Kevin Tattan, if I name them all now I'd end up leaving out a few.

"They've been absolutely exemplary. They've put in so much effort, free of charge. We don't take expenses because the girls don't get them. That's the type of attitude we have in there.

"It's been a wonderful experience. I hope now that whoever takes over will take on that challenge and bring the team forward again. And hopefully in a year or two they'll be back up those steps again."