Wallace takes over at Midleton as Rockies turn to Murphy

Former Antrim hurling manager Jerry Wallace is to take charge of his native club Midleton for the coming season.

As a result of his new role, Wallace, who was Cork trainer during Donal O’Grady’s and John Allen’s tenures, is stepping down as coach of the Limerick minor hurlers and also from his position as director of the Shannonsiders’ underage academy. He replaces Peter Smith, who in 2013 guided the Magpies to a first county SHC title since 1991.

Blackrock, who lead the roll of honour with 32 titles, have turned to Eddie Murphy as they seek to build on recent minor and U21 success. Murphy possesses a strong track record, having enjoyed success with Bishopstown and Ballymartle, while in the past two seasons he has been involved with Newcestown and then Blarney.

With Liam Ryan having departed, Newtownshandrum will be led by Ed Daly. A Limerick man, Daly’s background is in strength and conditioning and he has been part of the Newtown backroom team in the past as well as working with Munster Rugby.

County SHL winners Erin’s Own will have Martin Bowen back in charge as he replaces the man who succeeded him, PJ Murphy. Another Erin’s Own clubman, former Cork player Timmy Kelleher, will be charged with guiding the fortunes of Courcey Rovers, who were relegated from senior this year. John Meyler had been the Ballinaspittle/Ballinadee side’s coach for the past four years.

In football, James McCarthy is set to return to Castlehaven, whom he led to the 2012 senior football title, as Finbarr Santry makes way. While there had been reports that John Cleary would also be on the management team, it is believed that Cork minor ladies commitments mean he will only be involved with the club’s U21 team.

Another Corkman, Peadar Healy, is taking a job further afield. Healy, a selector for Cork during Conor Counihan’s time in charge, is to take over as manager of Dr Crokes. The Killarney side, previously managed by Noel O’Leary, failed to win the Kerry county senior championship this year for the first time since 2009 but did win the club championship.