In a widely-anticipated development, Donal O'Grady was ratified as manager of the Cork county hurling team for a two-year term by the county board last night.

O'Grady, school principal of the Cork hurling nursery North Monastery in Cork city and a member of the St Finbarr's club, becomes the fourth Cork manager in as many years. An All-Ireland winner both as a player and selector in 1984 and '86 respectively, O'Grady, unlike his predecessors, has the power to choose his own selectors.

Blackrock's Donie Collins was the first of those to named last night. It is hoped the three other selectors will be named by the end of the week, with O'Grady now seeking clarification as to whether he can name two selectors from the one club. Former Cork stars and team-mates of O'Grady, Seanie O'Leary and Johnny Crowley, are among the names tipped to join his backroom team.

O'Grady takes over after a great period of turmoil in Cork hurling, with a troubled year ending with the resignation of manager Bertie Óg Murphy and the much-publicised, but now ended players' strike.

O'Grady's first championship game in charge will be against Tipperary or Clare in the Munster semi-final.