Seán Óg Ó hAilpín expects Ben O'Connor's Cork to be evolution not revolution
Former Harty Cup winners pictured at the launch of the Dr. Harty Cup History book were (left to right): Damian Lawlor (MC), Monsignor Christy O'Dwyer, Colin Ryan, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, Andrew O'Shaughnessy,
Seán Óg Ó hAilpín is expecting evolution rather than revolution from Ben O’Connor’s term as Cork hurling manager.
While much talk has centred around promoting the Newtownshandrum man’s U20 group, which delivered an All-Ireland in 2023, Ó hAilpín feels the incumbents have the requisite quality to bring back the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
“I don't think Ben will change an awful lot. That's my personal view,” said Ó hAilpin.
“I think he'll just tweak a few things. You'll probably see one or two new names featuring next year, but the nucleus of guys that we've had for the last couple of years will be the same guys that we will be relying on.
“And they are good enough. You don't contest two All-Ireland finals, albeit we didn't win it, but you don't get there without having good calibre players.
“I don't see Ben doing wholesale changes, because I don't think there needs to be wholesale changes.
“The ingredients and the substance is there. It's not that you're having to go to the grocery store and buy ingredients. They’re there. It's on the table, so it just needs another mix to make the cake.
“I'm sure Ben is trying to unlock what that missing ingredient is.” Ó hAilpín and O’Connor are the last two Corkmen to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup, in 2005 and ‘04.
The Na Piarsaigh stalwart is certain his former teammate is the right man to build upon those strong foundations, hailing O’Connor’s “impeccable” playing and coaching CV.
“Ben has been a born winner all his life. Like his standards... From training with him closely over the years, that's our standard, Ben's standards are up there,” said Ó hAilpin, gesturing towards the ceiling. “Himself and Jerry, his brother, were freaks when it came to standards.
“Ben will go about his business nice and quietly, like he did with his hurling career. He let his hurling do the talking over the years. He'll be a man of few words, but behind closed doors, it'll be all action, don't you worry about that.”
Ó hAilpín feels the biggest hurdle is getting over the sting of those All-Ireland final defeats to Clare and Tipperary.
“The game is nine-tenths between the two ears. It's how they recover mentally, because physically, Cork have been one of the best conditioned teams the last couple of years,” he said.
“It's just how they can park the last two years. There are plenty of examples that they can leverage off. Teams that were knocking on the door and just fell short, but they were able to (win in the end).
“I get the feeling from talking to supporters on the ground that they see it as a new three-year cycle, so maybe expectations won't be as high next year.
“Sport is funny. The times you think you deserve to win one, you don't, and the times you think that you're not going to, you come up trumps. Who knows?
“I just hope I live to see those players get retribution for the last two years, because I've been there losing All-Ireland finals. It's a tough place to be, so hopefully they get their chance at retribution. Hopefully next year, but over the next few years.”
In that regard, home games against Limerick and Clare will be vital to Leeside prospects.
“The Munster Championship is going to tell a lot. It's the lion’s den of the hurling championship,” said Ó hAilpín.
“Five doesn't go into three. Two teams will lose out. Each of the five teams will feel like they can get those three places, regardless of the order.
“They'll be looking at the home games. They’re critical. If you get two wins out of those home games, that puts you in a strong position to go ahead.
“They played a challenge game recently against MTU, so it’s up and running now, it's alive, and the very best of luck to them.”
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