LARRY TOMPKINS has been appointed Cork football manager. He succeeds Billy Morgan who was in charge of the team for 11 years.

Tompkins, although deeply troubled by injury, had been one of the key elements of the Cork team for the last number of years. He began his inter county playing career as a minor with his native Kildare but later declared for Cork in controversial circumstances.

Tompkins has had recent managerial experience, taking charge of the Waterford under 21 team.

Morgan enjoyed a period of unprecedented success with the county. A player on the Cork team in 1973, Morgan guided his team to two All Ireland titles, in 1989 and 1990.

. Tipperary have opted out of this year's Oireachtas senior hurling tournament. Instead, the county will take part in a five county hurling league involving Cork, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.