Ben O’Connor appointed new Cork hurling manager

O’Connor to succeed Pat Ryan in the role, who stepped down last week

Ben O'Connor to be new Cork hurling manager. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Ben O'Connor to be new Cork hurling manager. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Ben O’Connor will become the new Cork hurling manager. He will be recommended to next Tuesday’s county committee meeting for ratification for a three-year term.

O’Connor has been building for some time his coaching CV, which includes the 2023 All-Ireland under-20 title.

A skilful forward with All Stars in 2005 and 2008, on the Cork team of the late 1990s and 2000s, he won three All-Irelands in 1999, 2004, as captain, and 2005 – the last time the county lifted the Liam MacCarthy. He was also on the Newtownshandrum team which won the 2004 club All-Ireland.

His appointment will come swiftly after predecessor Pat Ryan stepped down last Saturday after three seasons in charge, reaching the last two All-Ireland finals. This July, Cork sustained a big defeat in the final at the hands of old rivals Tipperary, losing by 15 points and being outscored 3-14 to 0-2 in the second half.

O’Connor has long been positioned as the most likely next Cork hurling manager and further details of his backroom team will be announced on Tuesday when the appointment, recommended by a subcommittee of Cork chair Pat Horgan, vice-chair Noel O’Callaghan and CEO Kevin O’Donovan, is expected to be ratified.

‘We are delighted that someone of Ben O’Connor’s calibre is available to take up this hugely important position,“ Cork GAA chairman Pat Horgan said. ”We believe that Ben has all the credentials to build on the wonderful work done by the previous management team, and to lead this talented group of players forward. I wish him every success and I am sure our supporters will get fully behind Ben and his team."

Cork GAA secretary/CEO Kevin O’Donovan said: “Ben was one of the most talented players of his generation, and is a born winner. The same high standards he set on the field have also been evident in the success he has achieved as an All-Ireland winning manager with our Under-20s. We look forward to supporting Ben and his management team in 2026 and beyond.”

Seán Moran

Seán Moran

Seán Moran is GAA Correspondent of The Irish Times