Glen Rovers' Robert Downey named 2025 Cork hurling captain 

Blarney's Shane Barrett will serve as vice-captain. 

REBEL LEADER: Robert Downey of Cork celebrates after scoring a goal during the All-Ireland SHC final against Clare. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Robert Downey is the new Cork hurling captain.

Downey was confirmed on Friday morning as the Cork captain for the 2025 season, with Shane Barrett to service as vice-captain.

The 25-year-old Glen Rovers clubman takes over from Sean O’Donoghue, who held the role for the first two years of Pat Ryan’s term.

Downey, who made his senior league and championship debuts for Cork in 2019, began this year’s championship at right half-back but throve when subsequently moved to No.6 following a hamstring injury to regular centre-back Ciarán Joyce. 

Downey remained at centre-back when Joyce returned to the fold and is expected to win a first All-Star, in that position, at Friday evening’s banquet in Dublin.

He played a leading part in The Glen returning to premier senior ranks when they overcame Barrett and Mark Coleman’s Blarney in last month’s senior A final.