Statement from Cork County Board on the appointment of Cork hurling selectors.

At the outset of this process, the goal was to put in place a structure that would ensure the best possible management teams for each grade of Cork hurling, both now and into the future, and also to provide a pathway for the development of younger coaches and those with less inter-county experience. Following extensive consultation over several weeks, the Executive of Cork County Board is pleased to recommend the appointment of Kieran Kingston (Tracton) as manager of the Cork Senior hurling team for a three-year term, along with coach Ger Cunningham (St. Finbarr’s) and Diarmuid O’Sullivan (Cloyne). A full backroom team will be announced at a later date.

Pat Ryan (Sarsfields) will take the helm at U20 for a 2 year term, joined by Donal O’Mahony (Bishopstown), Brendan Coleman (Youghal), Fergal Condon (Aghada) and Wayne Sherlock (Blackrock).

Donal Óg Cusack (Cloyne) has been recommended as Minor (U17) manager on a one-year basis for 2020, joined by Seán Óg Ó hAilpín (Na Piarsaigh), Tom Kenny (Grenagh), and further selectors to be appointed, one of whom will provide a link to the current under-age playing base.

With the pathway for the progress of younger coaches a major priority, the Executive also recommends the appointment of current U15 manager Noel Furlong (Carrigtwohill) as U16 manager for a two-year term, with Seanie McGrath (Bantry Blues), Niall McCarthy (Carrigtwohill), Ger O’Regan (St. Finbarr’s) and David Dorgan (Fr. O’Neill’s) as selectors.

All the above appointments are subject to ratification by the County Board on Tuesday night.

Commenting on the announcement, County Chairperson Tracey Kennedy said “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of the appointments process, and honoured to be putting these names before County Board on Tuesday night. As I indicated at the outset, we did not want to rush into any decisions, and the length of the process is indicative both of the extent of our consultation and the number of excellent people who were willing to talk to us about Cork hurling. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of those who have agreed to serve as managers, coaches and selectors, and I truly believe that we now have a structure in place which will ensure that we can always secure the best people to lead Cork teams, on a clear pathway for both coaches and players, from underage all the way through to Senior.”