Cork Masters chairperson Seán Horgan 'excited' for new season

Cork Masters chairperson Seán Horgan is very much looking forward to the new season.

There’s great optimism amongst both codes given the calibre of management teams that have been assembled for 2026.

Former Cork U21 (now U20) football boss Tony Leahy from St Finbarr’s is the new manager of the football team while Killeagh’s Ross Cashman is looking after the hurling side with Danny Dwyer of Ballincollig the coach.

“What I have found with the appointments that we have made with our management teams, there’s great interest from players all over Cork looking to join,” Horgan says.

“We never had that before to be honest, it was always a case of us going out there asking guys to join. Players are coming to us now, which is great, but we are always recruiting because you need a big panel given it’s for players over the age of 40.

“It’s always a challenge this time of year to recruit players especially given the weather, but we haven’t that problem this time around compared to other years. We have about 35 players registered with the football team and we are creeping up to that with the hurling as well.

“There’s a freshness in both codes and a new approach.

“Cork Masters are on the go now with a number of years and we are always trying to improve. There’s a great social outlet being involved with the Cork Masters.” 

The Rebels have made great progress over recent seasons since their first campaign in 2021, which was in football.

Lifting major silverware is now the next step on Cork Masters’ trajectory according to Horgan.

“We started from scratch and have been building year on year. With the support from the media like The Echo, it has helped Cork Masters grow and raise the profile.

“We have had some great days out, but we know that now we need to get major silverware on the table. We lost the All-Ireland final two years ago against Derry in the football. 

“Our hurling team was only set up a couple of years ago, but lifting a trophy is our next priority. While it’s great enjoyment in both codes, at the end of the day, we all want to win and lift trophies.

“It would be brilliant if that was to happen in 2026 in football or hurling or better again, both codes.

“On a personal level, I am looking forward to the new season with the management teams that we have put together and what they will bring to Cork Masters. As a group, we are excited."

If players over the age of 40 wish to join, they can send details to corkgaelicmasters@gmail.com.