Cork hurler Alan Connolly will miss the early part of the 2027 season following thumb surgery, echo live reported.
The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Cork’s last Munster SHC round-robin game against Clare in May. He continued to play for the remainder of the inter-county campaign and for Blackrock in the county championship. However, surgery is now required to ensure proper long-term rehabilitation, echo live reported.
Initial fears suggested Connolly could miss a four-month period. It is now believed he will have a shorter recovery timeframe, according to the Irish Examiner.
Having taken over primary free-taking duties following Patrick Horgan’s retirement, Connolly scored 1-53 across Cork’s seven championship matches in 2026. He scored 1-11 of that total from play, and his total of 462 minutes on the field was bettered only by Patrick Collins, Niall O’Leary, Mark Coleman, Eoin Downey, and Shane Barrett.
Ben O’Connor’s Cork side has Co-op SuperStores Munster Hurling League fixtures away to Tipperary and at home to Waterford in early January. The annual Canon O’Brien Cup game against UCC will also provide players with a chance to impress.
There is also the possibility of Cork being involved in the Munster league final, which could take place on the weekend of January 23/24, a journey to Tipperary.
Increased competition for places in Cork’s forward line is expected in 2027. Séamus Harnedy has retired from inter-county action, and Declan Dalton will not be part of the squad.
New additions include Colin Walsh of Kanturk, Dungourney’s Jack Leahy, Barry O’Flynn (Sarsfields), and the return of Connolly’s Blackrock colleague Robbie Cotter. Leahy’s clubmate, Cillian O’Callaghan, who scored eight goals in six matches as Dungourney were runners-up in the county Premier IHC, is another set to be given a chance, echo live reported.
As training for 2027 commences, defenders Cathal McCarthy of Sarsfields and Midleton’s Eoin Moloney are also in the mix. Damien Cahalane and Darragh O’Sullivan have been confirmed as not being involved.
In goal, Newcestown’s Cathal Wilson, an All-Ireland U20 medallist in 2021, will be auditioned. Midleton’s Brion Saunderson, who was the third-choice goalkeeper behind Patrick Collins and Paudie O’Sullivan this year, departed the squad during the season, echo live reported.
“There is the possibility of being involved in the final of the Munster league the week before the Allianz Hurling League begins with a journey to Tipp on the weekend of January 23/24,” echo live stated.
When did Alan Connolly get injured?
Connolly sustained his thumb injury during Cork’s last Munster SHC round-robin game against Clare in May.
How long will Alan Connolly be out?
Initial fears were a four-month absence, but it is now believed his recovery timeframe will be shorter.
Who are the new players in Cork’s attack for 2027?
New additions to Cork’s forward line include Colin Walsh, Jack Leahy, Barry O’Flynn, Robbie Cotter, and Cillian O’Callaghan.
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