Cork v Limerick: Martin returns in goal as Sheedy handed championship debut

Cork manager John Cleary has made a big call for Sunday’s Munster Championship quarter-final against Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (2pm).

There is a change between the sticks, with Patrick Doyle dropping to the bench and Micheál Aodh Martin getting the nod in goal for the championship opener.

The Rebels endured a challenging day on kick-outs in the Allianz Division 2 Football League final defeat to Meath at Croke Park last Sunday week. For the fourth game in a row, Cork lost more of their own restarts than they won. With this aspect so crucial in the modern game, the Rebels know they must improve if they are to make progress in the championship.

Martin is set to return to the starting team for the first time since the 20-point loss away to Derry at the start of March. Cork struggled on their own kick-outs that day too, but very little went right for them up north on that particular occasion. 

The goalkeeper switch is the only change from the side that started the two-point league final defeat to Meath.

It means a senior championship debut for Dara Sheedy. The Bantry Blues forward featured for the Cork U20s in their draw with Clare in Quilty last evening, kicking 0-4 as the game finished 1-10 apiece in the Dalata Hotel Group Munster U20 Football Championship Phase 2 Round 1 clash.

Sheedy has played an important role for the Cork seniors throughout the spring as they enter the championship high in confidence after securing promotion from Division 2. Building on that momentum — and ensuring consistency in performance levels — will be the challenge now.

Limerick, meanwhile, will arrive on Leeside with no pressure. Jimmy Lee’s side were relegated from Division 3 last month.

CORK (v Limerick):

Micheál Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers);

Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty), Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree), Seán Meehan (Kiskeam);

Brian O’Driscoll (Carrigaline), Tommy Walsh (Kanturk), Luke Fahy (Ballincollig);

Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg), Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s, capt);

Paul Walsh (Kanturk), Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers), Seán McDonnell (Mallow);

Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire), Dara Sheedy (Bantry Blues), Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree), Tomás O’Mahony (Castlehaven), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown), Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven), David Buckley (Newcestown), Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues), Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree), Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven).

Stand by players: Colin Molloy (Nemo Rangers), Paddy O’Driscoll (Gabriel Rangers), Conor Daly (Clonakilty), Bryan Hayes (Nemo Rangers).