Cork claimed a decisive victory in Sunday's U20 All-Ireland hurling final against Offaly at Semple Stadium.
It was the Rebels' third crown in as many years at U20 level, with a resounding 2-22 to 3-13 victory clinching the title on a scorching hot day in Thurles.
There are many stars on this Cork team, with Ben Cunningham contributing 0-9 on Sunday afternoon - four of those points from play - and William Buckley and Jack Leahy both also contributing four points from play.
One of their biggest stars is at the heart of their defence, with Ben O'Connor putting in another excellent performance at centre-back against Offaly.
O'Connor revealed at full-time, however, that it was likely to be his last game in the Cork colours, with the half-back set to focus on his hopes of launching a career with Munster Rugby.
Cork U20 star to leave hurling behind
Ben O'Connor - bar a red card against Limerick earlier this year - has been excellent for the Cork U20s on their road to All-Ireland glory, and has balanced it all while serving for Pres at full-back in the Munster Schools Senior Cup in rugby.
14 March 2023; Ben O'Connor of Presentation Brothers College kicks a conversion during the Munster Schools Senior Cup Final match between Christian Brothers College and Presentation Brothers College at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
He was widely tipped to join the Munster academy for next season - and it appears as though those rumours are true, judging by his post-match remarks.
O'Connor confirmed that he would not be continuing with the Cork hurlers past the U20 age grade, and would be switching his full attention to rugby:
I'm after deciding I'm going with the rugby, so this was my last hurling game.
I was delighted to finish on a high now. They're all my best friends and you couldn't have asked for a better group to finish with. I'm absolutely buzzing, on top of the world.
It was a very tough decision but I was happy with my decision in the end.
O'Connor has the small matter of his Leaving Cert to attend to between now and the beginning of next season.
He will be sorely missed in Cork hurling spheres, having also captained the county to minor All-Ireland success in 2021.
The Cork U20s manager - curiously also named Ben O'Connor - said that he hoped that the younger O'Connor may yet change his mind:
You’d never know. After seeing that today and enjoying that so much, he can always come back to the hurling after. I don’t think he’ll get too many thrills as good as that playing rugby or soccer or anything else.
Munster have gained a terrific rugby prospect - but Cork will be equally disappointed to lose one as talented as Ben O'Connor.
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