Cork footballers make six changes for crucial trip to Tipp

CORK footballers make six changes from the Down game, for the Tipperary tie in Division 3, in Thurles, tomorrow evening at 7pm.

Four are in defence, where James Loughrey, Tomás Clancy, and Cian Kiely start for the first time in the league. Paul Ring played against Offaly.

Killian O’Hanlon resumes his partnership with captain, Ian Maguire, at midfield, and Luke Connolly is at full-forward for his first start, as well.

There are positional switches, too, with Mattie Taylor starting centre-back, Brian Hartnett at left half-forward, and Ruairí Deane in the right corner.

Injuries rule out Tom Clancy (Clonakilty) and Kevin Crowley in the full-back line.

Brian and Michael Hurley and Mark Collins are not included in the 26-strong squad, but Eoghan McSweeney returns from injury to take his place on the bench, for the first time this season.

Cork top the table, with six points from wins over Offaly, Leitrim, and Down, and are one clear of Longford.

Tipp, Derry, Down, and Offaly are on three points apiece, with Leitrim and Louth in the relegation places.

Cork met Tipp in Thurles in Division 2 last year, as well, a late Deane goal helping secure a first win, 1-12 to 0-12.

CORK: MA Martin (Nemo Rangers); S Powter (Douglas), J Loughrey (Mallow), P Ring (Aghabullogue); T Clancy (Fermoy), M Taylor (Mallow), C Kiely (Ballincollig); I Maguire (St Finbarr’s), captain, K O’Hanlon (Kilshannig); J O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers), S White (Clonakilty), B Hartnett (Douglas); R Deane (Bantry Blues), L Connolly (Nemo Rangers), C O’Mahony (Mitchelstown).

Subs: A Casey (Kiskeam), S Ryan (St Finbarr’s), M Shanley (Clonakilty), A Browne (Newmarket), P Walsh (Kanturk), K O’Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaighs), E McSweeney (Knocknagree), P Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers), C O’Callaghan (Éire Óg), C Sheehan (do), D Gore (Kilmacabea).