McGrath Cup: Cork announce experimental side for Limerick encounter 

John Cleary has named an experimental Cork side for the McGrath Cup clash with Limerick tomorrow at Páirc Uí Rinn (2pm).

Having fielded a strong outfit in the win over Tipperary last Tuesday night in Cappawhite in the opening round, the Cork management have made 13 changes for the second Group B encounter against the Shannonsiders.

Only defenders Seán Meehan and Kevin O’Donovan keep their places from the 1-26 to 0-10 triumph over Tipperary.

Darragh Newman gets the nod in goal having come on in the second half during the week.

Meehan is joined in the full-back line by promising defenders Colin Molloy and Jacob O’Driscoll. The pair had great seasons with their respective clubs last year and will want to put up their hand tomorrow. 

O’Donovan is wing-back with newcomer Tomás O’Mahony wearing the number 6 jersey with Darragh Cashman the other wing-back.

Former Cork underage players Seán Dore and Tom Cunningham are in the middle of the pitch.

David Buckley will look to continue his strong club form from the last few years into the 2026 inter-county campaign. The Newcestown player is wing-forward with the other two players in that line Conor Daly and Fintan Fenner.

The full-forward line consists of Denis O’Connor, Luke Murphy and Ciarán Santry.

The bench is an inexperienced one with only Seán Walsh having played last year for Cleary’s team.

Goalkeeper Callum Dungan, Paddy O’Driscoll, Colm O’Shea, Cormac Hyland, Colm Gillespie, Ben O’Connell, Kevin O’Reilly, Luke Casey and Sam Copps are held in reserve. 

It was always going to be an experimental Cork side with the Rebels having played a challenge game today against Armagh in Dublin. 

Cork lost on a scoreline of 3-18 to 0-23 despite kicking six two-pointers.

Armagh, All-Ireland winners as recently as 2024, netted two late goals to get the win.

Both sides fielded strong teams.

Cork will be favourites to get the better of Limerick, which would see them advance to the final of the pre-season competition with the high likelihood that it will be against the old rivals Kerry next Saturday.

The start of the Allianz Division 2 Football League is only two weeks away.

Cavan are the visitors to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, January 25.

CORK (McGrath Cup v Limerick):

Darragh Newman (St Finbarr’s);

Seán Meehan (Kiskeam), Colin Molloy (Nemo Rangers), Jacob O’Driscoll (Valley Rovers);

Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers), Tomás O’Mahony (Castlehaven), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet);

Seán Dore (Ballincollig), Tom Cunningham (Kilshannig);

David Buckley (Newcestown), Conor Daly (Clonakilty), Fintan Fenner (Castletownbere);

Denis O’Connor (Knocknagree), Luke Murphy (Cullen), Ciarán Santry (Carbery Rangers).

Subs:

Callum Dungan (Carrigaline), Paddy O’Driscoll (Gabriel Rangers), Colm O’Shea (Kilshannig), Cormac Hyland (Mitchelstown), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown), Colm Gillespie (Aghabullogue), Ben O’Connell (Ballincollig), Kevin O’Reilly (Carrigaline), Luke Casey (Aghabullogue), Sam Copps (Mallow).