Cork could turn to JBM

There is growing speculation that Jimmy Barry-Murphy will take on the Cork manager's job, following the confirmation of Denis Walsh's departure.

A Cork GAA statement, which was released this evening, explained that Walsh had 'graciously accepted' the County Committee's decision to seek a new senior hurling manager.

Walsh, who was appointed in March 2009, at least added some stability to the Rebel ranks even if results did not always go their way on the pitch.

He assumed control after Gerald McCarthy's controversial reign and a period of players' strikes over successive years. In his first season, Cork lost five of their Allianz Hurling League games and were turned over by Tipperary and Galway in the Championship.

Walsh's fortunes improved in 2010 with qualification for the Division 1 and Munster finals and an All-Ireland semi-final, albeit with no silverware earned.

This year's campaign saw the Rebels produce some erratic displays, suffering four league defeats and losing to Tipp in the Munster Championship before they put 10-20 past a stunned Laois side in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

But they only squeezed past Offaly in the first phase and Galway then got the better of them in their third phase clash in early July, which proved to be Walsh's final match in charge.

Speaking afterwards, the Ballynoe native, who has brought a number of promising Under-21 players through to the senior set-up, accepted that a decision on his future was out of his hands.

"I came into a tough situation, it has taken all my concentration, and a lot of other things have suffered as a result of that," he said.

"In fairness, the support I got has been brilliant, particularly from the players, but, truthfully, I don't know if I will be seeking reappointment.

"If people are happy with what I was doing, I might consider staying on, but if it's the view of the players, the supporters and the County Board that it's time for me to go, I will have no problem with that."

Now it seems that in an ironic twist, one of the men that was involved in Walsh's appointment two-and-a-half years ago will succeed him in the role.

Barry-Murphy, who was part of the three-man selection committee back then, has been strongly linked with the vacant position. He managed Cork to an All-Ireland SHC title in 1999 - their first in nine years.

The former dual player and an All-Ireland winner in both codes was appointed to the Cork job back in October 1995, in similar circumstances, with the Rebel hurlers in need of a change of fortunes.

Barry-Murphy resigned in November 2000 after five seasons at the helm. Among the others thought to be in contention to replace Walsh are the county's legendary former goalkeeper Ger Cunningham and current Under-21 manager Ger Fitzgerald.

It is thought that Walsh's successor will be appointed by October 1, with three County Board Executive members and three club delegates part of the six-man selection committee.