Allen poised to replace O'Grady

JOHN ALLEN could be installed as the new Cork hurling coach tonight.

The St. Finbarr’s man, a selector with this year’s All-Ireland winning team, is poised to replace his club-mate Donal O’Grady - if he can get agreement from key members of the management team to stay on for 2005.

The Cork players have expressed a preference for continuity, and are keen for as many of the five outgoing selectors as possible to stay on.

Allen is the clear front-runner, but is determined to put a strong back-room team in place immediately. If that process is satisfactorily concluded, Cork GAA chiefs may be in a position to announce O’Grady’s successor at their board meeting tonight in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

The new coach has already received one major fillip as Sean Og O hAilpin looks certain to reject any possible AFL offer from Carlton in Melbourne.