Noel Furlong succeeds Ben O'Connor as Cork U20 hurling boss 

STEPPING UP: All-Ireland minor-winning manager Noel Furlong will take charge of Cork's under-20s in 2025. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho

Former Cork minor manager Noel Furlong has been appointed the county’s new U20 boss succeeding Ben O’Connor.

Furlong has been given a two-year term having been in charge of the minors three years ago when he led them to Munster and All-Ireland triumphs.

The Carrigtwohill man was a Cork senior selector under Kieran Kingston two seasons ago and has brought Castlelyons, Fr O’Neill’s and Russell Rovers to premier intermediate, intermediate and junior A county titles respectively. He was UCC’s coach when they claimed the 2020 Fitzgibbon Cup.

Announcing his appointment after O’Connor did not seek an extension, Cork chairman Pat Horgan said: “Cork GAA remain indebted to Ben and his team for a tremendous period of success. We look forward to working with him again in the future. We are delighted to welcome Noel on board. His record speaks for itself.” 

County GAA chief executive Kevin O’Donovan paid tribute to O’Connor whose spell at the helm was a fruitful one. 

“Ben has followed a decorated career on the field with Cork as a player, before guiding the U20 hurlers to Munster and All-Ireland success in 2023. We remain grateful to him for his contribution and are delighted to have someone of Noel’s calibre as his successor.” 

Furlong’s appointment will go forward for approval at the next county board meeting on August 6 where the identity of his selectors will also be revealed.