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©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
End of the line

Rebels rule out Walsh reappointment

The Cork County Board has confirmed that it will be appointing a new face as senior hurling manager.

DENIS WALSH’S SPELL in charge of the Cork senior hurlers will not be extended, the Cork County Board confirmed this evening.

Appointed to the post in 2009, the Ballynoe native served as manager for two-and-a-half years before his term came to an end following the defeat to Galway in this year’s All-Ireland SHC qualifiers.

Last week, the county board appointed a six-man committee to lead the search for a new manager or, failing that, reappoint Walsh himself to the post.

Under the terms of its mandate, the committee informed Walsh that a change of personnel was necessary, county chairman Jerry O’Sullivan explained this evening.

“Denis accepted the position graciously and offered to provide any assistance or advice in the transition period to the new Manager, when appointed,” O’Sullivan said.

“On behalf of the County Committee, I wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Denis for his trojan work on behalf of the County hurling team over the past two and a half years.

“He took up the challenging position at a difficult time, and with his team management colleagues put in enormous time and effort in preparing and developing the team panel.

Denis has given outstanding service to this County as both a great dual player, and as a Manager/Coach, and we know he will continue to serve the Association well in various capacities in the future.

The county board also expressed their thanks to Walsh’s backroom team, Pat Buckley, Jerry Ryan and Pa Finn, for their service.

Last week, legendary Rebel dual star Jimmy Barry-Murphy was reported to be the front-runner in the race to succeed Walsh.

Ger Cunningham, Ger Fitzgerald and Sean O’Brien are understood to be among the other candidates under consideration.

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