Cork Hurlers - Part 2

[The Long Puck Home]

2026 is going to be very interesting. I guess Ben O’C has had a long enough look now, with pre-season and the two Munster League games. A few players have put their hands up, while others are just not quite at the required level. It really is such fine margins.

Can anyone tell me whether Daniel Hogan opted out, or did Ben not feel he was at the level? I know he was on the extended 37-man squad last year. He may not still be at the required level to make the 26 come championship, but he was good in the PSH Championship games I saw in 2025. I would rate him higher than Cian Darcy.

 

[harrymcguire]

All the players that were cut from panel were notified this morning.

 

[Matlock]

All the players that were cut from panel were notified this morning.

Fair enough, at least they are not left hanging.

 

[red&blue]

I think you have the vast majority of the eventual squad included there.
William Buckley and Jack Cahalane could well be included , possibly at the expense of a back but it would be the toss of a coin between the last few included or excluded.

BOC commented previously about wanting players in the squad who can stay fit.
There are some players in that squad who have struggled with fitness and that may be an issue for them.
BOC also said that the squad picked now may not be the squad when championship comes around because of loss of form or injury so I would think there may be a standby list of players who could yet be involved and who may be called in at times for challange games or training .

Thats close enough but you can put your house on William Buckley being on the panel at the very least

 

[red&blue]

2026 is going to be very interesting. I guess Ben O’C has had a long enough look now, with pre-season and the two Munster League games. A few players have put their hands up, while others are just not quite at the required level. It really is such fine margins.

Can anyone tell me whether Daniel Hogan opted out, or did Ben not feel he was at the level? I know he was on the extended 37-man squad last year. He may not still be at the required level to make the 26 come championship, but he was good in the PSH Championship games I saw in 2025. I would rate him higher than Cian Darcy.

Cian has a better chance of making an inter county hurler than Daniel, who is a brilliant club hurler

 

[red&blue]

Here is my prediction of our 36 man squad for the league:

GK: Patrick Collins, Brion Saunderson & Paudie O' Sullivan (3)

Backs: Seán O' Donoghue, Niall O' Leary, Robert Downey, Eoin Downey, Ciarán Joyce, Mark Coleman, Cormac O' Brien, Damien Cahalane, Ger Millerick, Micheál Mullins, Darragh O' Sullivan, Shane Kingston, Daire O' Leary & Eoin Roche (14)

Mid: Tim O' Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon, Ethan Twomey, Tommy O' Connell, Brian Keating & Brian O' Sullivan & Brian Roche (7)

Forwards: Diarmuid Healy, Shane Barrett, Declan Dalton, Brian Hayes, Alan Connolly, Shane Kingston, Robbie O' Flynn, Séamus Harnedy, Alan Walsh, Ben Cunningham & Shane Desmond & Pádraig Power (12)

Just for clarity who are the guys on the training panel that you suggest wont make the cut?

Ps William Buckley is a banker to make the panel

 

[Vladimir The Bear]

Alan Walsh, Darragh O Sullivan and Paudie O Sullivan were excellent for me last night. O Sullivan was really solid inside in the goal, good puckouts, excellent handling, caught one great ball under the crossbar under pressure in the first half and one excellent save in the second. Made one silly mistake that led to the concession of a 65 but that mistake didn't phase him.
I think he'll get minutes in the league and could put proper pressure on Collins for the number 1 jersey.

O Sullivan was excellent in the corner, really dogged defending and intelligent use of the ball in possession. I'd have concerns with regards his height but certainly he's in contention to get league game time and we see more of him then.

Walsh was a handful. Very rough but the raw materials are there. A bit like Brian Hayes 2 or 3 years ago. Get him on the panel and watch his hurling improve.

Shane Kingston (Ballinora) and Daire O Leary were also solid. I'd have them on the 37. Big improvement from Ethan Twomey this week as well. As was rightly pointed out to me in hindsight after last week's game maybe he was trying to do too much in covering 2 novices on the wings while stopping Peter Casey and ended up falling between 2 stools and doing neither in the end.

Brian O Sullivan and Keating in midfield improved as the game went on. O Sullivan is a guy I expect will get league minutes as well.

Up front there's very interesting decisions to me. I'd expect Robbie O Flynn and Shane Kingston (Douglas) to make the cut. I'd expect Jack O Connor and Cathal McCarthy to be let go.
Ben Cunningham and Sean Desmond are 2 interesting players for me. Cunningham is a fine free taker but in general play can be a bit greedy and I'd question his work rate at times, I'd still bring him in as the raw potential is there and those faults can be worked on.
Sean Desmond then works very very hard, has a good attitude gets out in front and can take a score when the chance arises. His touch at times has let him down over the 2 games but again that's something that can be worked on. I'd probably keep him on it as well.
Cian D'Arcy another interesting one. Supposed to be flying in training and did will v UCC but found the the games since tough going. Not so sure he will make it.

A very interesting week ahead.

 

[North Cork]

2 goalies is enough surely? Collins and O Sullivan

That could well happen.

 

[cooldude]

View attachment 47023

Brilliant

 

[Vladimir The Bear]

It's a pity actually there's not another game or 2 before the league to get a further look at the new guys and give them more of a chance.