ONE of the unsung heroes of Cork’s run to the All-Ireland final has been branded a Hurler-of-the-Year contender by Rebels great Diarmuid O’Sullivan.
As skipper in 2024, Seán O’Donoghue narrowly missed out on leading Cork up the steps of the Hogan Stand after an extra-time defeat to Clare in the decider.
Sean O’Donoghue has had a super season on the way to the All-Ireland finalDavid Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Diarmuid O’Sullivan backed him to win Hurler of the YearBrendan Moran/Sportsfile
But the form of the Inniscarra corner-back, who was replaced as captain by Rob Downey, has been superb as Pat Ryan’s side earned another shot at landing Liam MacCarthy.
Ahead of Sunday’s showpiece against Tipperary, Cork selector Wayne Sherlock said of O’Donoghue: “I think this year he has really stepped up in a big way.
“He probably ends up marking very, very good players all the time. He stepped up again in the Munster final against Limerick . . . marking Aaron Gillane. Seánie was giving out to himself because he gave up two points but Gillane is one of the best players to have played hurling. For him to get two points off you is not the end of the world.
“But Seánie’s attitude has been excellent. He comes in and trains hard and he’s a pleasure to be involved with. He’s one of those fellas I just love to see doing well.”
Brian Hayes is currently the bookies’ favourite to be named Hurler of the Year. But O’Sullivan feels O’Donoghue is also in contention to be Cork’s first winner of the award since Jerry O’Connor in 2005.
The Rock told The Southern Star: “Not only is he kind of nailed-on for an All-Star, I think Seán deserves to be in the conversation for Hurler of the Year.
“Seán’s performances have been outstanding.”
Having been sent off in last year’s Munster SHC loss to Clare, O’Donoghue came in for further criticism for his involvement in a couple of the goals scored by Limerick during the victory that saved Cork’s season.
Eoin Cadogan played alongside the 29-year-old before retiring from inter-county hurling in 2021 and told SunSport: “In Seán’s role, he’s generally picking up the best inter-county forwards.
“Forwards of that calibre are going to get on a lot of ball and cause you to make a mistake.
“Some of that was over-emphasised when it came to Seán last year.”
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