Mulcahy touted as new Rebels captain

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM manager Bernie O’Connor wants Pat Mulcahy to captain Cork in their bid to win the All-Ireland three in-a-row.

“Obviously there are three Newtownshandrum players in line for the honour and it will come down to a club decision. However, I am in favour of giving it to Pat,” said O’Connor, after Mulcahy was named man of the match for his performance in Sunday’s Evening Echo Cork Senior Hurling Championship final.

O’Connor, whose two sons are also eligible for the captaincy, said: “Ben has captained Cork twice and I know that Jerry would love to take over the captaincy of the inter-county team. But the cup has been in our house and I think it would be fitting if Pat, now at the height of his powers, was given the honour.”

O’Connor was loud in his praise of Mulcahy: “Make no mistake about it, Pat is the best centre-back in club hurling in the country. He is a colossus and he has been an inspiration since we first burst on the scene 12 years ago.

“He is playing the best hurling of his career and the way he recovered from a serious road accident has been a source of great inspiration. He is setting the standards for all our younger players,” said O’Connor.

Mulcahy was the unanimous choice of the five judges for the man of the match award.

Cork County Board chairman Jim Forbes paid tribute to Mulcahy and Newtown but also paid a special tribute to Cloyne who heartbreakingly lost two consecutive finals.

Forbes complimented Newtown’s dedication and commitment over the last number of years and he said: “I know deep down if they want to win the All Ireland Club Championship again it is there for them.”

Should Tipperary champions Thurles Sars defeat Lixnaw in the opening round of the provincial competition, Newtown will have home advantage in the semi-final and Bernie O’Connor revealed his preference for Páirc Uí Chaoimh.