Cork footballers call on St Finbarr's crew for Derry clash

Newcomer Billy Hennessy, former captain Ian Maguire and sharpshooter Steven Sherlock all start this Sunday
Cork footballers call on St Finbarr's crew for Derry clash

Steven Sherlock of St Finbarr's in action against Felim McGreevy of Kilcoo. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

KEITH Ricken and his selectors have opted to start three St Finbarr's players for the Cork footballers' tricky trip to Derry on Sunday, 2pm.

Ian Maguire returns to his customary midfield role while Barrs' top-scorer Steven Sherlock will wear the number 13 geansaí on his comeback to the squad, having been omitted from the panel in 2020 and '21. Former Cork hurler Billy Hennessy, who appeared off the bench for the Rebels on the run to the All-Ireland final last year, is picked at centre-back.

St Finbarr's Billy Hennessy racing away from Imokilly's John Cronin and Paudie O'Sullivan. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
St Finbarr's Billy Hennessy racing away from Imokilly's John Cronin and Paudie O'Sullivan. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Hennessy linked up with Ricken's panel before Christmas but hasn't featured up to now due to his club's All-Ireland semi-final appearance, where they lost to Kilcoo.

Chris Kelly from Éire Óg is also handed his first league start, with Fionn Herlihy named at 11 after an impressive cameo against Clare in the draw two weeks ago.

Read More

Cork v Derry: Keith Ricken's footballers must dig deep to survive toughest test yet

Cork were well beaten in their league open at Roscommon but this is the strongest line-up they've had available to date and there will be interest in seeing how Sherlock links up with Brian Hurley. 

Seán Powter, who has had a hectic schedule lately with the Sigerson Cup, isn't involved with joint-captain Seán Meehan returns from injury at full-back. 

CORK (v Derry): 

Chris Kelly (Éire Óg); 

Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers), Seán Meehan (Kiskeam), Tadhg Corkery (Cill Na Martra); 

Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Billy Hennessy (St Finbarr's), Mattie Taylor (Mallow); 

Ian Maguire (St Finbarr's), Shane Merritt (Mallow); 

Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg), Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys), Dan Dineen (Cill Na Martra); 

Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s), David Buckley (Newcestown), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven).

Subs: MA Martin (Nemo Rangers), P Allen (Newmarket), J Cooper (Éire Óg), J Grimes (Clonakilty), D O’Connell (Kanturk), B Murphy (St Vincent’s), C Kiely (Ballincollig), E Sweeney (Knocknagree), J O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers), K Flahive (Douglas), M Cronin (Nemo Rangers).

more Cork GAA articles

Cork v Meath - Allianz Football League Division 2 Two departures from Cork football squad with David Buckley considering his future
Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final
Dr Harty Cup: Goals prove the difference as CBC lose out narrowly to Our Lady's Templemore  Dr Harty Cup: Goals prove the difference as CBC lose out narrowly to Our Lady's Templemore 

More in this section

Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury Conor Lehane ruled out of county final with Achilles injury
Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row  Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row 
Cork v Meath - Allianz Football League Division 2 Two departures from Cork football squad with David Buckley considering his future

Sponsored Content

Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more