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Sweetnam playing for the Rebels. ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Cork hurler Sweetnam to sign professional terms in Munster

The southern province have confirmed that Darren Sweetnam will trade in the small ball for a larger oval one.

Updated 15.10

CORK HURLING WILL be dealt a major blow by the decision of midfielder Darren Sweetnam to accept a development contract with Munster.

The morning, Cork radio station C103 reported that the 19-year-old, a regular in both Munster Rugby under-20′s and Cork’s senior hurling fifteen, had indeed decided to focus his attentions on professional sport.

The Doheny’s clubman made his name on the inter-county scene this season as part of Jimmy Barry Murphy’s resurgent Rebels, meanwhile though, he was forging a reputation as a potent attacking threat from full-back in the oval ball game.

TheScore.ie understands that Sweetnam informed the club of his intents after a game on Saturday night and both Munster Rugby and Cork GAA have confirmed the news this afternoon.

The statement from the Rebels said: ”Cork GAA can confirm that Darren Sweetnam has informed Senior Hurling manager, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, that he will not be available for selection for the 2013 season as he is signing a development contract with Munster Rugby.

Darren is a very talented and while we are sorry to lose him, we wish him every success in his chosen career,” said Barry-Murphy.

“Cork County Board would also like to acknowledge Darren’s contribution to Cork GAA and to wish him well in his new role.”

It is not the first case of its kind and Irish international Tomas O’Leary won minor All-Ireland titles with Cork back in 2001 before opting to pursue a professional career in rugby and signing for Munster.

-Additional reporting by Ben Blake

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4 Comments
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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
    Favourite Diarmaid Twomey
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    Oct 1st 2012, 2:03 PM

    Ah balls! Best of luck Darren! A player that will be sorely missed, a great achievement given his young age!

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    Mute timothy o connell
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    Oct 1st 2012, 5:42 PM

    As if we haven’t enough bad news!! Follow the dream Darren…you’ll be wearing the green shirt soon! Best wishes

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    Mute Steve O'Brien
    Favourite Steve O'Brien
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    Oct 1st 2012, 8:15 PM

    This was always going to happen, Munster have been watching him since he was in school and his club was listed as the Munster Academy while he was playing with the 20′s, it’s unusual for a player to make the 20′s without a club. Be interesting to see who he signs with.

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    Mute John Ó'Ríordán
    Favourite John Ó'Ríordán
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    Oct 1st 2012, 7:36 PM

    Balls. First Tomás and now this. Going to happen more and more.

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