Ronan Curran confirms departure from Cork hurling management team

Curran has explained his decision to leave Ben O'Connor's backroom team, insisting he and his former Cork teammate remain "great friends"

Ronan Curran: "Despite all the rumours, me and Ben [O'Connor] are great friends, and nothing will change that." Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ronan Curran has confirmed that he will not be part of Ben O'Connor's Cork senior hurling management team next season. The St Finbarr's man is stepping away after a year in the role. Curran also worked with O'Connor at U20 level. 

"Ya look, I won’t be involved in the setup next year," said Curran.

"I met up with Ben in his house a few weeks after the end of the inter-county season and I informed him I wouldn’t be going forward next year. I thanked him for a great few years at U20 level and last year’s opportunity also.

“I’m nothing but grateful towards Ben giving me the opportunity to try and get Cork to where everyone in the county wants us to be.

"Despite all the rumours, me and Ben are great friends, and nothing will change that, we both have the same dream at heart, the same dream as every Cork person, and that’s to see Cork walk up the steps of the Hogan Stand."

Cork had a mixed season, winning all four of their group games in Munster before falling short in the provincial decider against Limerick and the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway. It still comes as a surprise that Curran will no longer be involved.

“I suppose with any senior inter-county season, plenty of challenges were encountered during the year, no different from every club and team in the country, we all know the way it is," he said. "This year was no different and the hardest part for me was the alignment of thoughts to overcome these challenges.

“Everyone on the management team wants the same thing but there are so many different ways of getting there. I want the best for Cork, so I thought it was in the best interest of Cork if I stepped away from the setup.” 

The three-time All-Star centre-back still has huge belief in the Cork hurlers and is convinced they’ve the talent to win Liam MacCarthy.

“Absolutely. They are some of the best players that have played the game for Cork and without doubt some of the top players in Ireland," he said.

"I have been so impressed with their application, work ethic and drive to get Cork back to the top and have no doubt that will only continue until they reach their goal.

“They are great men and great role models to any children dreaming of playing for Cork. I wish them, all the management, Ben, Terence, Willie and Donal and all of the backroom team the best and when we do get over the line there will not be a happier man in Cork.”