Doora/Barefield’s Christy O’Connor has left his coaching role with the Cork senior hurlers.
Based in Ennis as a freelance sports writer, O’Connor served as forwards coach to the Kieran Kingston managed side that reached the All-Ireland final losing out to Limerick on a scoreline of 3-32 to 1-22. He has written two of the most popular sports books namely Last Man Standing and The Club.
Prior to taking on the role with the Rebels, Christy was involved with the Anthony Daly managed Dublin hurlers and the Galway side under the stewardship of Micheál Donoghue who were crowned All-Ireland champions in 2017.
O’Connor was set to be part of Donal Moloney’s proposed Clare management team for 2019 before the Scariff man withdrew from the race citing an “uncertainty over the process”.
On the hurling field, Christy was goalkeeper on the famed St Josephs Doora/Barefield that claimed Clare SHC titles in 1998, 1999 and 2001 along with Munster Club honours in 1998 and 1999 plus the coveted All-Ireland club title in 1999. He was sub goalkeeper on the Clare senior panel for four years.
Cork manager, Kieran Kingston confirmed O’Connor’s departure as he voiced his appreciation for his “huge commitment” over a two year period. “I’m very conscious of the fact that he’s a self-employed with a young family and had to make a five-hour round-trip journey every night we trained.
“The players benefited hugely from his coaching and expertise, he got on well with everyone involved in the set-up and he contributed a lot to the group. I wish him well in his future endeavours and am sure he’ll enjoy plenty of success going forward”.
