O’Connell no longer part of Cork plans

MIDLETON hurling star Mickey O’Connell has opted out of the Cork senior hurling panel, informing the management team that he is unavailable for selection for the 2005 season.

O’Connell won an All-Ireland minor medal in 1995 and followed that with U21 All-Ireland medals in 1997 and 1998 before going on to make his senior championship debut in 1999 against Waterford in Semple Stadium.

He was picked at midfield, although he was well known up to U21 level as a free-scoring wing-forward.