Cork minors reveal team for Munster final against Kerry

Cork manager Keith Ricken has made five changes to his side for Monday’s Electric Ireland Munster MFC final against Kerry at Páirc Uí Rinn, with throw-in at 7.35pm.

The Rebels had already secured their place in the provincial decider before last week’s outing against Waterford, when the management used the game to test their panel. Cork still won 3-19 to 1-12, completing their three group victories in style.

Conor Garvey, Darragh O’Sullivan and Conor Downing all come into defence, while Ben Hegarty and Tom Whooley are drafted into the forward line. Whooley hasn’t featured since impressing in the opening championship win over Clare, and his return is a notable boost.

Dropping out of the starting team are Donnacha Coleman, Peadar Kelly, Mark Power, Morgan Corkery and Riley O’Donovan.

Cork enter the Munster final in confident form after winning all three matches in Phase 2. Ricken’s side claimed impressive away victories over Clare and Kerry before easing past Waterford at Páirc Uí Rinn last Monday. The highlight so far was the 3-18 to 1-14 triumph over the Kingdom at Austin Stack Park a fortnight ago.

Of the side that started that evening, 13 are named to play in the next instalment of the rivalry with Kerry, with Conrad Murphy and Whooley starting this time.

A much tighter contest is expected this time with silverware on the line. 

Both counties are already through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals, but neither will want to pass up the chance to lift a trophy. Cork are seeking their first provincial title since 2022, while Kerry are aiming to complete four-in-a-row.

CORK (v Kerry):

Rory Twohig (Kilmeen);

Riain McCormack (Midleton), Gabriel Oronsaye (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels), Conor Garvey (St Finbarr’s);

Darragh O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own), Conor Downing (Adrigole), Éanna Lynch (Ballincollig);

Kieran O’Shea (Urhan), Conrad Murphy (Barryroe);

Eoghan Ahern (Carrigaline), Ben Hegarty (Ballinora), Joe Miskella (Ballincollig, c);

Tom Whooley (Clonakilty), Jacob Barry (Aghinagh), Alex O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: 

Kieran Archer (Russell Rovers), Aaron O’Sullivan (Glanmire), Dónal Herlihy (Shamrocks), Peadar Kelly (Naomh Abán), Donncha O’Mahony (Newcestown), Micheál Walsh (Bride Rovers), Morgan Corkery (Nemo Rangers), Mark Power (Charleville), Riley O’Donovan (Barryroe).

Standby players: Donnacha Coleman (Youghal), Kevin O’Donovan (O’Donovan Rossa).