Nemo Rangers attacker Paul Kerrigan has been confirmed as the new Cork senior football team captain.

Kerrigan’s appointment was announced ahead of Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division I opener against Mayo in Páirc Uí Rinn.

The 29-year-old succeeds Michael Shields, who captained the Rebels for two years following the retirement of Graham Canty in 2013.

Speaking after the 1-18 to 0-12 defeat of Mayo, in which Kerrigan scored 0-3 and played very impressively, Cork manager Peadar Healy confirmed he had discussed the captaincy with Shields during the week and the St Finbarr’s man had told him it was ‘time to hand it on’.

Kerrigan brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played on the 2010 All-Ireland winning side, won three Munster SFC title and four Allianz Leagues since making his debut in 2008.