A Cork development squad defeated a St. Colman's College selection by 2-8 to 1-10 in a challenge game to mark the school's 150th anniversary match on Sunday in Fermoy, and afterwards manager Gerald McCarthy offered an olive branch to the senior players currently on strike. "Anything that can be done to resolve the problem would be very welcome from me. It's a decision now for other players. It's not a war. It can be sorted out," said McCarthy afterwards.

"I think it moves on another bit from today. We've played a game and I just hope those who've opted out and not played will reconsider their position and get back playing hurling."

Cork meet Waterford in the Waterford Crystal trophy in January and McCarthy added, "We will be working with the development squad in the next number of months no matter what happens. You can see there are players of the future there.

"There is some very good talent there. They will be working in the gym and we will be playing a lot of attention to them, no matter what Cork team is on the field."

In other hurling news, Galway have finally got their man with the news that local journalist John McIntyre has replaced Ger Loughnane as manager of the county hurlers.

The former Tipp player and Offaly manager has been given a two-year contract "It's a huge challenge, but we know what's ahead of us," said McIntyre.

"We have a lot of plans for the Galway senior hurling squad, but they will be the first to hear about them.

"We are hoping to have the new panel up and running by early December."

McIntyre will work with former senior hurler Joe Connolly, ex-minor manager John Hardiman and John Moylan as his selectors.

Clare legend and All-Ireland winning captain Anthony Daly is the new manager of the Dublin hurling team. Daly's appointment was ratified at a County Board meeting on Monday night as the former Clare boss returns to management after a two year absence.