Looking at the current Cork team, it is clear that there is no shortage of talent available to Ben O’Connor within the county.

The Leesiders have one of the most well stocked panels in the country, with a number of quality operators available in each position. That strength in depth has seen Cork improve rapidly in recent seasons, something they hope will eventually lead to that elusive All-Ireland in the near future.

Considering the level of player currently available in the county, it is no surprise to see that some top quality operators have not been able to make their mark on the team this season.

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Forgotten Man Of Cork Hurling Provides Ben O’Connor Reminder

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Declan Dalton is yet to feature for Cork in this year’s championship, meaning he was released to play for club Fr O’Neill’s over the weekend.

He went on to serve a timely reminder of his qualities. Dalton would score 0-12 in his club’s league win over St Finbarr’s, with his surge in form coming at a convenient time from a Cork point of view.

Dalton was previously a key man in the Cork attack under Pat Ryan, but he has fallen out of favour since the arrival of Ben O’Connor. However, a spot could be available for him in the side after the setback suffered by Darragh Fitzgibbon.

Fitzgibbon has been ruled out for the remainder of the Munster Championship due to appendicitis, undergoing surgery over the weekend. His Charleville manager Dominic Foley told the Cork Echo on Sunday that the club would rally around the young forward during his recovery.

It’s tough on Darragh.

He’s hugely important to Cork and obviously to ourselves. But the main thing is he gets right. He’ll get the best care and we’ll support him all the way. Everyone here is thinking of him.

While this is a big setback for Darragh Fitzgibbon and for Cork, it may force Ben O’Connor to reconsider some of the other options available to him in his panel.

Declan Dalton will no doubt hope it could open the door for his potential recall into the side over the remainder of the championship. His display over the weekend certainly suggests that he would have something to offer.

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