O’Donovan replaces Murphy

FRANK MURPHY’S 45 years with the Cork County Board will come to an end in December with vice-chairman Kevin O’Donovan set to take up the role of county board secretary/CEO after a long interview process.

Murphy has been the Cork secretary since 1973, and will officially step down from his role on December 16.

County board chairperson Tracey Kennedy paid tribute to Murphy’s contribution to GAA in Cork during his 45 years.

“Kevin (O’Donovan) succeeds someone whose work on behalf of the GAA in Cork and nationally is immeasurable,” she said. “In his term of office as county board secretary, Frank Murphy has overseen the growth of the GAA organisation in Cork, the phenomenal success of our inter-county teams, the radical redevelopment of club facilities, the development of three new stadiums, the achievement of unparalleled sponsorship support for our county teams and so much more.”

Meanwhile, former Cork ladies football boss Eamonn Ryan has stepped down from his role as a Cork senior football selector and will not part of Ronan McCarthy’s Rebel backroom team for 2019.

Elsewhere, big names were on trial for a place in Mayo’s squad for James Horan’s second coming as boss with Aidan O’Shea, Colm Boyle and Andy Moran all taking part in trial games.