Canon O'Brien Cup: Ben O'Connor names first Cork team

There is an experimental look to the Cork side for Sunday's Canon O'Brien Cup clash against UCC at the Mardyke (12 noon).

For what is the public's first chance to see the Rebels under the management of Ben O'Connor, goalkeeper Brion Saunderson is the only member of the starting 15 who was a part of the Cork squad for last July's All-Ireland SHC final defeat to Tipperary.

Experience comes from the likes of Ethan Twomey and Jack O'Connor, both of whom featured during the championship last year while Eoin Roche, Darragh O'Sullivan, Micheál Mullins and Jack Cahalane were also part of Pat Ryan's panel in 2025.

Jack O'Connor forms an all-Sarsfields half-forward line with newcomers Cian Darcy and Colm McCarthy while Kanturk's Brian O'Sullivan, who was involved for a spell under Ryan, partners Mullins at midfield.

Ciarán Doolan of St Finbarr's at full-back and half-backs Tom Hanley (Ballyhea) and Cillian Tobin (Bride Rovers) are also being given opportunities, while Alan Walsh of Kanturk and Watergrasshill's Seán Desmond form the inside line with Cahalane.

The Cork bench features five starters from the All-Ireland, with another returnee, Dáire O'Leary of Watergrasshill, and Killeagh's Barry Walsh also in line for game-time. Those not involved at the Mardyke will be training on Sunday morning.

The UCC team will be named closer to throw-in but should feature a number of Cork players that O'Connor will be assessing. Brian Keating and Timmy Wilk miss out through injury, however, while Tipperary pair Darragh Stakelum and Peter McGarry will not feature, either.

CORK (Canon O’Brien Cup v UCC): Brion Saunderson (Midleton); Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers), Ciarán Doolan (St Finbarr’s), Darragh O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig); Tom Hanley (Ballyhea), Cillian Tobin (Bride Rovers), Ethan Twomey (St Finbarr’s); Micheál Mullins (Glen Rovers), Brian O’Sullivan (Kanturk); Cian Darcy (Sarsfields), Colm McCarthy (Sarsfields), Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields); Alan Walsh (Kanturk), Seán Desmond (Watergrasshill), Jack Cahalane (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig), Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum), Seán O’Donoghue (Inniscarra), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neill’s), Dáire O’Leary (Watergrasshill), Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold), Shane Kingston (Douglas), Robbie O’Flynn (Erin’s Own), Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neill’s), Barry Walsh (Killeagh).

UCC panel for Fitzgibbon Cup (Cork clubs unless stated): Paudie O'Sullivan (Fr O'Neill's), Seán Daly (Randal Óg), Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers), Timmy Kelly (Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny), James Dwyer (Ballincollig), Shane Kingston (Ballinora), Seán Moore (Carrickshock, Kilkenny), Darragh Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields, Tipperary), Brian Keating (Ballincollig), Ben Cunningham (St Finbarr's), Darragh Flynn (Ballygiblin), Peter McGarry (St Mary's, Tipperary), William Buckley (St Finbarr's), Colin Walsh (Kanturk), Ed McDermott (James Stephens, Kilkenny), Fionn O'Brien (Bruree, Limerick), Brendan Lehane (Watergrasshill), Daniel Scully (Dromin-Athlacca, Limerick), Dara Ferlane (Monaleen), David Cremin (Midleton), Eoin Guinane (Valley Rovers), Finn O'Brien (Erin's Own), Hugh O'Connor (Newmarket), Joseph Enright (Inniscarra), Kevin Lyons (Ballygarvan), Marc Mahony (Old Parish, Waterford), Mark O'Dwyer (Russell Rovers), Michael Mullaney (Stradbally, Waterford), Oran O'Regan (Erin's Own), Peter O'Shea (Erin's Own), Richard McEvoy (Lisdowney, Limerick), Robert Troy (Newtownshandrum), Ross O'Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh), Tadhg O'Connell (Ballincollig), Timmy Wilk (Cobh).