Former Cork coach Donal O’Rourke joins Waterford backroom 

A key member of Pat Ryan's set-up, O’Rourke links up with his native county.

DEISE RETURN: Cork coach and selector Donal O'Rourke with then Cork boss Pat Ryan. Pic: James Crombie, Inpho

Less than two weeks after the Cork hurling management, in which he was part of, stepped down, Donal O’Rourke has joined the Waterford sideline as their new coach.

O’Rourke wore the title of coach during Pat Ryan’s recently ended three-year spell as Cork manager, with O’Rourke’s native county wasting no time in securing his coaching services once his involvement on Leeside had come to an end.

Having previously managed the Waterford senior camogie team, prior to his All-Ireland winning stint with the Galway camogie women in 2021 and subsequent three years with Cork, this will be the Cappoquin clubman’s first time working with the Waterford senior hurlers.

In another change to Peter Queally’s Déise backroom team announced on Friday morning, All-Ireland Tipperary winner Eoin Kelly has stepped away after three years as a selector.

“Eoin has given tremendous service to Waterford over the past three years. His passion for the game and his insight have been greatly appreciated by players and management alike. On behalf of everyone in Waterford GAA, I want to thank him sincerely for his time and dedication,” said Waterford chairman Neil Moore.

“Donal O’Rourke brings a wealth of coaching experience and a deep understanding of the game. We welcome Donal to the setup and look forward to the impact he will bring to the team.” 

Waterford’s 2026 goal is unchanged from recent years - to finally emerge from the Munster round-robin. They have yet to finish in the top three in Munster since the introduction of the current format in 2018.