Meyler departs as Cork hurling manager with host of big names linked to top job

Wed, 31 Jul, 2019 - 15:40

Eamonn Murphy

THE Cork hurlers will have a new manager at the helm next season.

John Meyler has decided not to put his name forward to take charge of the Rebels in 2020, following the conclusion of a two-year term that saw the county land a Munster title but fall short in the All-Ireland series.

There are already of host of big names being linked with the top job in Cork GAA, including Donal Óg Cusack, Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Pat Ryan, Pat Mulcahy and former manager Kieran Kingston. Paudie Murray and Kevin Murray have built their reputations excelling with the Cork camogie team in recent seasons, with Kevin, an All-Ireland medallist in 1999 also involved in Sigerson Cup wins with Billy Morgan's UCC.

The likes of Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, Tom Kenny, who came in to assist the seniors before the recent All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Kilkenny, Ben O'Connor, after his excellent run with Charleville, and St Finbarr's Ronan Curran are sure to in the mix for roles in the new set-up. Ger Cunningham is another candidate, having coached Cork to their last All-Ireland final appearance in 2013 when Jimmy Barry-Murphy was the helm.

Jamie Wall has excelled in a coaching capacity with Mary I and would be a welcome addition to the Cork hurling scene, even at minor or U20 level. Current U20 boss Denis Ring would be considered a viable management alternative if his side capture the All-Ireland. He led the minors to a Munster in 2017 and the U21s to a provincial trophy last year but the focus now is firmly on an All-Ireland.

Meyler, a Wexford native, has been involved in hurling and football and Leeside since he first switched to play with St Finbarr's in the 1980s. He has been a selector with various Cork teams, coached a number of club outfits including Courcey Rovers and Ballinhassig.

He was a selector alongside Kieran Kingston when Cork were Munster champions in 2017, as well as doubling up as U21 bainisteoir that summer. He took over as manager for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with Kieran 'Fraggie' Murphy and Donal O'Mahony as his selectors.

Before that, Meyler served as Cork development squad boss for the U15s and U16s in 2015-'16, which included a host of current U20s such as Daire Connery, Tommy O'Connell and Conor O'Callaghan.

County chair Tracey Kennedy thanked Meyeler for his contribution.

"John has been an outstanding servant to Cork GAA in a variety of roles over many years, and I would like to thank him both personally and on behalf of Cork for all that he has done and, I am sure, will continue to do. We wish John, his selectors and backroom team all the best in their future endeavours and thank all involved for an immeasurable voluntary contribution over their two-year term."

A process will now be put in place for the appointment of a new manager.

Boylesports betting on the new Cork manager:

Kieran Kingston 7/2

Tomás Mulcahy, Ger Cunningham, Denis Ring, all 5/1

Diarmuid Sullivan 11/2

John Allen 15/2

Pat Ryan 7/1

Ronan Curran 8/1

Jimmy Barry Murphy, Donal Óg Cusack, Fergal Condon 12/1

John Considine, Tom Kenny, Derek McGrath, Donal O'Grady, Richie Kelleher 16/1

Ben O'Connor, Pat Mulcahy 20/1

Anthony Daly, Jamie Wall 25/1