Munster U20HC: Barry Walsh starts as Cork make one change for semi-final

There is one change on the Cork team for Wednesday's Fulfil Munster U20HC semi-final with Clare at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Of the side that the beat the same opposition a week ago to secure second place in the table, John Murphy of Mallow comes into the half-forward line as James O'Brien is named as a sub.

While there had been fears that senior commitments would preclude Barry Walsh - scorer of 1-5 a week ago - from featuring, news of his clearance came on Monday and he is selected at number 15.

“If you had told us after the Tipperary game, where we were beaten on the night, that we'd be sitting on six points, securing second place and a the home semi-final, we'd have taken your hand off,” said Cork manager Noel Furling.

“Our mantra all along has been that we've been getting better and better every game. I suppose the key thing is that we take the learnings from last week and we make sure we get better again this week.

“That's what we're going after, a better performance, and the result then will take care of itself.” 

Furlong is hopeful that a big Cork support can cheer the team on.

“The weather forecast looks decent, so we'd really encourage a massive Cork crowd to come out now and support this team on Wednesday.

“You're looking at the performances they've given to date, and they're a really hard, honest, hard-working group and they play a really good brand of hurling.

“They're going to leave it all out on the pitch Wednesday night, anyone coming to watch the match can be guaranteed of that. Any support we would get would be greatly appreciated.”

CORK (Munster U20HC v Clare): Oisín Walsh (Youghal); Denis Fitzgerald (Bride Rovers), Matthew Barrett (Carrigtwohill), Darragh Heavin (Russell Rovers); Michael Tadhg Brosnan (Glen Rovers), Colm Garde (Lisgoold), David O’Leary (Ballincollig); Ben Walsh (Killeagh), Conor Noonan (Kanturk); Zack Biggane (Charleville), John Murphy (Mallow), Johnny Murphy (Dromina); Finn O’Brien (Erin’s Own), Barry O’Flynn (Sarsfields), Barry Walsh (Killeagh).

Subs: Tom Walsh (Aghada), Rian O’Riordan (Blackrock), Johnny Galvin (Éire Óg), Jack Counihan (Watergrasshill), Jack O’Brien (Douglas), James O’Brien (Cloyne), Cormac Deane (Killeagh), Craig O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh), Mark O’Brien (Douglas).

Additional panel members: James Murray (St Finbarr’s), Jayden Casey (Youghal), Eoghan O’Shea (Ballinhassig), Diarmuid Wall (Glen Rovers), Tomás Dunlea (Midleton), Conor McCarthy (Glen Rovers), Peter Barrett (Midleton), Cillian O’Callaghan (Dungourney).