Multi-talented Sweetnam set for Rebel return

Talented Cork hurler Darren Sweetnam may face a difficult choice in the coming months, but Rebel hurling supporters will be happy to hear he is in line for a start against Tipperary in the Munster SHC semi-final on Sunday week.

While he has starred for Cork in the Allianz Hurling League this season, Sweetnam is also named in a Munster rugby U20 squad due to meet at Rockwell College in August. The Bandon Grammar student is a talented out-half/centre, two positions at which the province is keen to develop new talent.

Sweetnam — who has also represented Ireland in hockey at U16 level — is finishing his Leaving Certificate examinations but is expected to return to training with the Cork senior hurlers tonight.

“Darren’s been doing his Leaving Certificate for the last couple of weeks, which obviously is a strain on any student,” said Cork selector Kieran Kingston yesterday.

“He was keen to concentrate on his studies and we were more than happy to facilitate that. He indicated early on in the year to the U21 selectors that he wouldn’t be available for the Tipp game and they respected his decision.

“We expect him back training tonight and we’ll evaluate how he is tonight, if he’s ready mentally and physically for the championship game, but we’d be hoping that — like the other players on the panel — he’ll be available for selection.

“Our focus is totally and solely on Tipperary, on getting the team right. After that we’ll review everything with a view to the rest of the season.”