O'Connor pays tribute to O'Grady

Cork All-Ireland winning captain Ben O'Connor has paid tribute to outgoing manager Donal O'Grady.

O'Grady yesterday stepped down as Cork boss after guiding his team to All-Ireland success three weeks ago.

Newtownshandrum star O'Connor said O'Grady stepped down because he felt he had the job done and that he had no more to offer.

The Rebel skipper added: "He has changed Cork hurling for the better."

Meanwhile, defender Diarmuid O’Sullivan called for O'Grady to change his mind, saying: "I have never met a man so professional in an amateur game."

Speculation is already mounting over who will take over in the Cork hurling hot-seat.

It is thought that the county board is keen to keep as much of the successful management team in place as possible, so selectors Seánie O’Leary and John Allen have been tipped to take over.

Former Cork hurler Seán O’Brien, who coached the All-Ireland winning intermediate teams of 2001 and 2003, has also been touted as a possible successor.

The Cork county board have confirmed that they wish to appoint a successor sooner rather than later, and that the new manager would have to be appointed by Christmas at the latest.