Pat Ryan's Cork hurlers shake it up by naming new skipper

Robert Downey has been named as the new Cork hurling skipper with Shane Barrett as vice-captain.

Downey - whose brother Eoin is also on the Cork side - takes over from Sean O’Donoghue.

O’Donoghue has been captain in Pat Ryan’s two years to date, but the Rebel boss is shaking things up as they bid to go one step further after this year’s All-Ireland final defeat by Clare.

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Glen Rovers club man Downey (25) was a fixture in the Cork defence this year, moving to centre half back and excelling in the role.

He scored a sensational goal in the All-Ireland final, when he ran from his own half back line to fire to the net.

It could be a day to remember for Downey as he may well land his first PwC All Star awared at tonight’s ceremony in the RDS.

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