How schools played a central role in Cork hurling's underage resurgence

Midleton CBS captain Brendan McCarthy and teammates celebrate beating Ardscoil Rís in the 2014 Dean Ryan Cup final at Cashel. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

You’d not think a Dean Ryan Cup final to be among the key starting points in Cork’s underage reawakening, but that is exactly how Ronan Dwane remembers the 2014 U16½ Munster colleges hurling final.

Dwane, a former Cork County Board coaching officer, Cork minor hurling selector, and development squad coach, was involved with the Midleton CBS team that reached - and won - the 2014 Dean Ryan Cup final against Ardscoil Rís.