Barry is new Cork manager

DAVE BARRY has been appointed as the new manager of Cork City, at least until the end of the season, following the surprising and swift termination of Rob" Hindmarch's contract at a hastily convened board meeting on Tuesday night.

Barry will assume the managerial mantle for the club's game against Shamrock Rovers at the RDS on Monday afternoon, and has been granted his request to have another stalwart - if currently injured - member of the Cork squad, Liam Murphy, as his assistant.

A two time winner of All Ireland Gaelic football medals with Cork, against Mayo in 1989 and Meath 12 months later, the cult hero of Turner's Cross will instantly command immense goodwill amongst city's supporters as well as the club's local players. Indeed, there were many who believed former chairman Pat O'Donovan should have opted for Barry during the close season, when the 34 year old midfielder rejected the chance to manage Cobb Ramblers.

Nevertheless, even allowing for Cork's departure from the FAI Cup at the quarter final stage at home to Sligo last Sunday, the new board's decision to terminate Hindmarch's contract came as something of a surprise.

It has immediately raised doubts as to the future presence at the club of their English contingent, such as their player of the season Dave Hill, who reportedly left the club's training ground immediately upon hearing of Hindmarch's departure on Tuesday night.