Cork hurling boss Jimmy Barry-Murphy has named goalkeeper Anthony Nash as his captain for the 2015 season.
Nash takes over from 2014 captain Patrick Cronin, who requested the change in order to concentrate on his playing career.
A statement on the Cork GAA website confirmed the appointment of the Kanturk clubman and dual All-Star recipient, while acknowledging Cronin’s contribution over recent years.
The statement said: “When making the announcement, Barry-Murphy acknowledged the contribution of Patrick Cronin over several seasons. It was with regret he acceded to Patrick's request to step back from the captaincy and to concentrate instead on his playing career.
“Barry-Murphy emphasised the significant contribution made by Patrick to Cork hurling, leading Cork to the All-Ireland Final in 2013 and annexing the Munster title in 2014.”
In his inaugural assignment, Nash led out the Cork team in last night’s Canon O’Brien Cup challenge against UCC at the Mardyke.
Cork won the game 1-25 to 2-12 and was on the receiving end of the new ‘one-v-one’ experimental penalty rule, which leaves the keeper on his own to face the taker.
Nash’s own penalty-taking style led to a recent change of rules, which stops penalty takers encroaching past the 20-metre line.
Sub-keeper McCarthy enjoyed a rare opportunity to showcase his outfield skills in the Rebel red as he started in the forward line, a position he plays for his club Ballymartle.
