Cork football legend Larry Tompkins joins Bishopstown management team

Cork football legend Larry Tompkins has joined the Bishopstown management team ahead of the upcoming season.

The city side ply their trade in the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC. They have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the last two seasons to Carrigaline and Éire Óg respectively.

Tompkins, once described by former Kerry manager the late Mick O’Dwyer as ‘one of the best players to ever play football’, will be part of Brian Cuthbert’s management ticket.

Cuthbert is going into his second campaign back at the helm of his beloved club. The Town have a nice mix of youth and experience with the hope that they can make a serious impression in the championship later this year.

The addition of Tompkins is an eye-catching one. He certainly knows the club and the players inside out given he has been involved in the underage ranks in recent seasons. His son Jack plays for Bishopstown.

The Cork football legend, who was captain of the Rebels when they won the All-Ireland title in 1990, which was Cork's second Sam Maguire triumph on the bounce, will be keen to use his experience to help Bishopstown.

He became involved in coaching when he succeeded Billy Morgan as Cork boss in late 1996 and guided the Leesiders to the Division 1 Football League title and Munster glory in 1999 after wins over rivals Dublin and Kerry in the respective finals.

Cork were beaten by Meath in the All-Ireland final that year. They claimed Munster success once again under Tompkins in 2002 before he left his position the following year. He coached Mitchelstown to the County JAFC crown in 2013.

In their McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC group this season, Bishopstown will face Éire Óg, Kilshannig and Clyda Rovers.

Before the serious stuff gets underway, Cuthbert’s charges will be playing in the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 3 Football League. They will entertain last season’s PIFC winners Aghabullogue on Sunday week at 11.30am in their opening fixture.