Development not sole purpose for Seán Hayes

Seán Hayes finds himself a busier man than usual. Having held the post of Cork U21 football manager from 2014-17, his inter-county duties are normally done and dusted by this time of year.

This year, though, brought a new grade and a new job for the Nemo Rangers man. His time is now split between preparing the Cork U20s for a Munster Championship campaign which begins this evening and fulfilling the role of selector on Ronan McCarthy’s senior backroom team.

Hayes’ presence in both camps is to show players a pathway exists from U20 to senior level. Fifteen of the U21 side he brought to the All-Ireland final in 2016 have already graduated to senior and his job is to make sure that figure remains high over the next few years.