Cork's Alan Connolly to be fit for 2024 season despite hamstring injury

Blackrock attacker set to be available for early January while knee operation has Tim O'Mahony out until February
Cork's Alan Connolly to be fit for 2024 season despite hamstring injury

Alan Connolly of Blackrock heading towards goal as Sarsfields' Luke Elliott tries to stop hime during the Co-op SuperStores Cork Premier SHC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last month. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork manager Pat Ryan expects to have the Alan Connolly available for the beginning of the 2024 season.

The Blackrock attacker missed the entirety of the 2023 campaign with a shoulder injury and then a hamstring problem limited his game-time limited as the club reached the Co-op SuperStores Premier SHC quarter-finals.

There had been fears that recovery from that injury would keep him on the sidelines for a sustained period once more, but Ryan is relieved that it is not a serious issue.

“Obviously, he had a shoulder injury last year and he was out until June, July,” he said.

“That’s after clearing up and he played with Blackrock. When you come back from an injury like that, it often happens that you pick up another and, unfortunately, he picked up a hamstring injury.

“There was a fear that it was a serious injury but it’s not as bad as that and he’s being well looked after. He’ll be back running in five or six weeks’ time and then ready to play matches at the start of January.

“It’s a good boost for our panel. You could see, when he came on against Sars, the contribution he could make with half a leg. We’re delighted to have him back involved.”

Newtownshandrum's Tim O'Mahony clears from Kanturk's Chris Mullane during the Co-op SuperStores Cork Premier SHC game in Charleville. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Newtownshandrum's Tim O'Mahony clears from Kanturk's Chris Mullane during the Co-op SuperStores Cork Premier SHC game in Charleville. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Of the 2023 Cork panel, Alan Cadogan has retired but no others are expected. Apart from Connolly, the only other injury problem at present revolves around Tim O’Mahony.

The versatile Newtownshandrum man was another who was hampered during the 2023 season, not making his first appearance until the Allianz Hurling League semi-final defeat to Kilkenny. Brought on as a sub against Tipperary and Clare, he started the last Musnter SHC game, the one-point defeat to Limerick that ended Cork’s season.

Having postponed an operation until Newtown exited the county championship, he is now undertaking his rehabilitation but should be back for the early stages of the league.

“Tim O’Mahony has had an operation, so he’ll be out until around mid-February,” Ryan said.

“Tim had an ongoing tendon injury during the year. We always knew that he’d have to get an operation on it but he was adamant that he wanted to play with his club, which is a great testament to him.

“He has had the operation now and it’s 12-16 week job but it’s an injury you back from.”

more Cork GAA articles

Kilbrittain survive late scare against Glen Rovers to win Premier Junior Hurling title  Kilbrittain survive late scare against Glen Rovers to win Premier Junior Hurling title 
Two Cork hurling finals moved because of weather warning Two Cork hurling finals moved because of weather warning
Ballinora looking to make history as they take on Grenagh in Muskerry Junior A HC final Ballinora looking to make history as they take on Grenagh in Muskerry Junior A HC final

More in this section

Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury
Kilbrittain survive late scare against Glen Rovers to win Premier Junior Hurling title  Kilbrittain survive late scare against Glen Rovers to win Premier Junior Hurling title 
Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row  Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row 

Sponsored Content

Every stone tells a story Every stone tells a story
Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more