Surgery sidelines Cork ace Connolly

Cork's Alan Connolly scores a goal against Westmeath. ©INPHO/Ken Sutton.

Cork forward Alan Connolly is expected to miss the early stages of the 2027 season as he recovers from thumb surgery.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Cork's Munster SHC clash with Clare in May but played on for the remainder of the inter-county campaign and Blackrock's county championship run.

Although an initial recovery estimate suggested he could be sidelined for four months, the latest indications are more positive according to a report from EchoLive.ie.

Connolly enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign, taking over free-taking duties following Patrick Horgan's retirement and finishing with 1-53 across Cork's seven championship matches.

His absence will provide an opportunity for others to stake their claim as Ben O'Connor's squad prepares for the new season, with several new faces expected to challenge for places.