Furlong takes U20 helm

Cork GAA this week announced that Noel Furlong will take over as manager of the under 20 hurling team for a two year term.

Noel has previously served as Cork minor hurling manager in 2021, when he guided the team to Munster and All Ireland success.

Making the announcement on Tuesday, Cork GAA said Noel is stepping into the big shoes of outgoing manager All Ireland U20 winning manager Ben O'Connor who did not seek a further extension.

Chairperson, Cork GAA, Pat Horgan said: “Cork GAA remain indebted to Ben and his team for a tremendous period of success. We look forward to working with him again in the future. We are delighted to welcome Noel on board. His record speaks for itself."

Cork GAA Secretary/ CEO Kevin O'Donovan said: “Ben has followed a decorated career on the field with Cork as a player, before guiding the U20 hurlers to Munster and All Ireland success in 2023. We remain grateful to him for his contribution and are delighted to have someone of Noel's calibre as his successor.”

A former dual Cork minor, Noel has previously enjoyed significant success at club level winning county titles at Senior level with Carrigtwohill as a player, then Premier Intermediate success with Castlelyons, Intermediate A with Fr O'Neill's, and Junior A with Russell Rovers.

He also coached UCC to Fitzgibbon success in 2020 and served as a Cork senior hurling selector in 2022.

This appointment will go before county committe approval at the next meeting on 6 August, with selectors to be announced at this point too.