Declan Dalton omitted from Cork senior hurling panel for 2027

Declan Dalton has not been named in Ben O’Connor’s Cork senior hurling panel for the 2027 season.

The 29‑year‑old Fr O’Neill’s forward, who first broke into the Cork panel under John Meyler and made his championship debut in 2020, said he remains eager to play for the Rebels.

Dalton, a regular wing‑forward during the All‑Ireland final runs of 2024 and 2025, confirmed he had been informed of his exclusion and added, “The hunger is there to play for Cork and the hunger is still there to develop myself as a hurler. For now it’s on pause but I’m not done yet.”

O’Connor, entering his second year as county manager, is expected to trial a range of new players as training resumes next month. Potential returns include Cathal McCarthy, who missed the previous campaign through a cruciate ligament injury, and Robbie Cotter, who scored 4‑7 from play in three club games.

Other emerging attackers likely to receive opportunities are Colin Walsh, Jack Leahy and Barry O’Flynn, all of whom have impressed at club and university level this year.

Further adjustments to the training panel are anticipated after the conclusion of the county championships, with Darragh O’Sullivan also omitted from the 2027 list.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Leticia Golubov / Pexels.