Alan Connolly ready for return to action with Cork
Alan Connolly was speaking to promote Blackrock Hurling Club's car raffle fundraiser in association with Cogans Toyota, which will see the winner drive away in a brand new Toyota Yaris Hybrid worth €30,000. Tickets priced at €20 each, or €50 for 3, are available from www.idonate.ie/raffle/BlackrockHurlingClubRaffle2025
By Cian O’Connell
Alan Connolly is relishing a return to training with the Cork senior hurling team ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Ben O’Connor has replaced Pat Ryan as Cork manager so there is a change to the set-up ahead of the commencement of what promises to be another lively year. “Yeah, look we would have been happy for Pat to stay on, but to have someone of Ben's calibre coming in is probably the next best thing,” Connolly says. “So, I know we'll be fine with Ben. It will be all good.
“I can't wait to get back. It's relentless obviously, but I've had about four to six weeks off now since the Midleton game in the semi-finals. So, I'm itching to get back at the moment.”
Connolly’s focus shifted quickly from Cork to Blackrock duty following the All-Ireland SHC Final loss to Tipperary. How difficult is it to deal with such a defeat? Everyone is kinda different, we went straight back to the club obviously after the final,” Connolly replies.
“So, you kind of forget about it. Then, when you actually have time to think about it it's probably around this time of the year, but you're going back into pre-season anyway so you kind of just have to get over it and get on with it.
“There are so many positives throughout the year as well. There is no point focussing on the one negative.”
O’Connor will be eager to make an impact with Cork. “Yeah, I think a lot of younger lads probably played with him,” Connolly says about the emerging players, who featured in O’Connor’s underage teams.
“I didn't now, but have only heard positive things said about him. I'm actually looking forward to it, I think we're back in two weeks.”
Cork's Alan Connolly in action during the All-Ireland SHC Final. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Patrick Horgan’s retirement ensures Cork will field without the accomplished Glen Rovers attacker. “Obviously, before I was on the panel, you'd look up to Hoggie,” Connolly says.
“He's had an unbelievable career with Cork. Just watching him at training, he's the first one there taking shots.
“He's trying to better himself the whole time - trying to get quicker and better at picking up the ball, striking the ball, taking frees and stuff like that. He's the ultimate professional. I don't have a bad word to say about him.”
Connolly acknowledges the connection between the Cork team and supporters in recent years. “It kinda started after the Limerick game down the Páirc last year,” Connolly says.
“Like, that was our first win in Munster that year. To see that crowd, that reaction, to realise they’re still following us now even though we are after losing a few games’ that drove us on. We rolled off that for the year. So, coming into this year we knew they would be behind us no matter what.”
When Cork didn’t triumph at Croke Park against Tipperary, it must’ve been particularly difficult? “Yeah, of course, there is always that element that you let people down,” Connolly replies.
“It is not just the fans. You are letting yourself down, more importantly. And then there was Pat (Ryan), the management, your family. Your family sacrifice a lot the whole year for you to play inter-county. It is tough on them.”
Connolly is ready, willing, and able to go again with Cork.
All money raised from Blackrock GAA's draw will go towards the building of a new gym and underage dressing rooms for the club. The draw takes place on December 21st.
