O’Halloran is widely regarded as a top-class coach. It was seen as a very positive appointment. He was O'Connor's preferred choice to take up the coaching mantle.

O’Halloran was Cork minor hurling coach during John Considine’s time in charge during the 2018 campaign.

The Ballinhassig man has since enjoyed county success coaching the likes of Bandon, Éire Óg, Fr O’Neill's and Lisgoold. He has also been involved with MTU Cork in recent years.

It’s unclear at this point whether O’Connor will replace O’Halloran.

Ronan Curran, Terence McCarthy and William Biggane are part of the new set-up as the Rebels look to bounce back in 2026 after two All-Ireland final defeats on the bounce.