Shane O’Neill to captain the Rebel hurlers in 2011

Shane O’Neill has been named as captain of the Cork hurlers in 2011, manager Denis Walsh has revealed.

O’Neill, who plays his club hurling with Bishopstown, was vice-captain last year and will take over the role from Sarsfields’ Kieran ‘Fraggy’ Murphy.

Corner back O’Neill has been part of the Cork panel since 2005, but didn’t feature regularly until 2007, the same year he captained Cork to a Munster under-21 title. Walsh is a big admirer of the 24 year-old and revealed that he had identified O’Neill as a captain a long time ago.

“When we came in 15 months ago, it was always our aim that Shane would be the captain this year,” Walsh told the Irish Examiner.

Commenting on Murphy, who will continue in the panel, Walsh added: “I think Kieran did a great job last year and he was well respected in all sectors. He was fully aware of the situation that he'd be captain for one year and then Shane would take the role. Kieran is happy now to focus on one role for the coming year.”

The Rebels league campaign begins with a clash against Offaly on 13 February and they will face All-Ireland champions Tipperary in the Munster championship quarter final later this year.