O'Connor Charts New Course as Cork Hurling Enters Fresh Era
Ben O'Connor has taken the helm of Cork hurling with a clear mandate: forget the past, focus on the future. As the Rebels prepare for their first competitive outing under new management against Waterford this Sunday, the three-time All-Ireland winner is determined to move beyond last year's devastating collapse against Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.
The second-half capitulation that saw Cork surrender a six-point lead to lose by 15 points remains a painful memory for supporters across Leeside. Yet O'Connor, speaking to RTÉ Sport, insists his squad will not be defined by past disappointments.
"When we met up at training, it was '2025 is over, 2026 is starting now'. We're driving on from there," the Newtownshandrum native explained. "We haven't talked about it, and that's the way it will continue. We are only looking forward, and onto the league."
A Fresh Start for the Rebels
O'Connor's appointment follows Pat Ryan's departure after two All-Ireland final defeats in three seasons, while veteran forward Patrick Horgan has also stepped away from the inter-county scene. The new manager brings impressive credentials, having previously succeeded Ryan in charge of the Cork Under-20s, where he delivered Munster and All-Ireland titles in 2023.
His club management experience with both Midleton and Charleville has been equally successful, though the two-time All-Star admits the senior inter-county role wasn't something he had actively pursued during his decorated playing career.
"I wasn't expecting to get it this year. I was delighted to be asked and when I was asked, I jumped at the chance," O'Connor revealed.
Squad Reshuffle and Injury Concerns
The new manager has made significant changes to his 36-man league panel, notably omitting experienced players Jack O'Connor, Conor Lehane, and Luke Meade. However, with injury concerns surrounding key figures including Séamus Harnedy, Micheál Mullins, Tim O'Mahony, and Ben Cunningham, O'Connor emphasizes that his current selection remains fluid.
As Cork prepares to defend their league title, the focus shifts from last year's disappointments to the opportunities that lie ahead. For a county with such rich hurling tradition, O'Connor's forward-looking approach offers hope for a revival of fortunes.
The true test of this new philosophy begins on Sunday when Waterford visit, marking the start of what supporters hope will be a redemptive campaign for the Rebel County.