McCarthy and Gardiner not out of Cork equation

Both Niall McCarthy and John Gardiner may figure for the Cork senior hurling team next season, it has emerged.

Recent reports suggested McCarthy would be out of contention for the Leesiders in 2013, but yesterday he told the Irish Examiner: “I was in contact three weeks ago with Carrigtwohill chairman Denis Walsh and Cork senior hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy to inform them of my decision to travel in the new year.

“My heart is in the blue and gold jersey of Carrigtwohill and the Rebel jersey. I’m undecided on my travel duration but was glad to be informed by Jimmy Barry-Murphy that the door remains open on my return.”