There has been talk of it for weeks, but now it's official. Jimmy Barry Murphy has stepped down as coach of the Cork Senior Hurling team. Barry Murphy has been in charge since the winter of '95, and subsequently led a young Cork side to a League title in '98 and the All-Ireland title in 1999. His successor will be appointed at the next meeting of the Cork County Board. Among the front-runners are Bertie Óg Murphy, who managed the county to two All-Ireland under-21 titles in 1997 and '98. Murphy has been a senior selector for the past year, and is believed to have the backing of the outgoing manager. Tom Cashman, who has been Barry Murphy's right hand-man over the past five years, is also in contention, as is Séanie O'Leary, a selector in the All-Ireland winning year.
Meanwhile, there was surprise news from Offaly, where Michael Bond has returned as manager of the Offaly Senior Hurling team. He previously took charge in July '98 when Michael 'Babs' Keating stood down, and led Offaly to an All-Ireland win that September. Once again, Pat McLoughney and Paudge Mulhare will be his selectors.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
