Cork footballers name strong team for McGrath Cup final as David Clifford starts for Kerry

Cork manager John Cleary has named a strong team for the McGrath Cup final against Kerry at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney on Saturday afternoon (1.30pm).

The Rebels come into it on the back of a five-point loss to Limerick last weekend, albeit it was an experimental side. The Leesiders are going for a third McGrath Cup title on the trot having won it in 2023 and ’24, though it didn’t run last year.

Cork are set to start with 11 of the players that started the opening round win over Tipperary with a few players being given their first competitive starts of the year at the home of the All-Ireland champions.

The big one is Steven Sherlock who will be wearing the number 15 jersey against Kerry. The St Finbarr’s forward is back involved with the Rebels this year after taking a break in 2025.

Seán Brady and Daniel O’Mahony make up a strong full-back line as they are expected to start for the first time this season over the county bounds. Jacob O'Driscoll is down to start at corner-back for the second game on the bounce.

Other than that, the rest of the starting team all starred in that 19-point triumph over Tipperary. Cleary then sent out an experimental side that lost to Limerick last Sunday at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Newcomers Michael McSweeney, Dara Sheedy and Conor Daly are all named on the bench for this upcoming game.

McSweeney was in brilliant form for UCC last Wednesday night with the midfielder scoring 0-5 including two two-pointers, one which was a free, in a 1-19 to 2-14 Sigerson Cup victory over Queen’s University Belfast.

It’s perhaps no surprise that Cleary has named a strong team for this one considering the real stuff starts next weekend.

Cork face Cavan in their opener in the Allianz Division 2 Football League on Sunday week at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (1.30pm).

While both Cork and Kerry will play down this pre-season fixture, it’s a competitive game in front of what should be a large crowd for a McGrath Cup final.

CORK (McGrath Cup v Kerry):

Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree);

Seán Brady (Ballygarvan), Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree), Jacob O’Driscoll (Valley Rovers);

Brian O’Driscoll (Carrigaline), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Luke Fahy (Ballincollig);

Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown);

Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues), Seán McDonnell (Mallow), Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven);

Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers), Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire), Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: Micheál Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers), Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty), Seán Meehan (Kiskeam), Matty Taylor (Mallow), Michael McSweeney (Knocknagree), Paul Walsh (Kanturk), Dara Sheedy (Bantry Blues), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven), Conor Daly (Clonakilty), Tommy Walsh (Kanturk).

KERRY (McGrath Cup v Cork): 

Shane Ryan (Rathmore); 

Evan Looney (Dr Crokes), Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue), Dylan Casey (Austin Stacks); 

Armin Heinrich (Austin Stacks), Mike Breen (Beaufort), Tadhg Morley (Templenoe); 

Joe O'Connor (Austin Stacks), Cillian Trant (St Senan's); 

Donagh O'Sullivan (Piarsaigh na Dromoda), Seán O'Shea (Kenmare Shamrocks), Darragh Lyne (Killarney Legion); 

David Clifford (Fossa), Tomás Kennedy (Kerins O'Rahillys), Tony Brosnan (Dr Crokes).

Subs: Seán Broderick (John Mitchels), Seán O'Brien (Beaufort), Micheál Burns (Dr Crokes), Liam Smith (Glenbeigh-Glencar), Thomas O'Donnell (Castlegregory), Ruairí Murphy (Listry), Killian Spillane (Templenoe), Enda O'Connor (Na Gaeil), Keith Evans (Keel), Charlie Keating (Dr Crokes), Paudie O'Leary (Gneeveguilla).