Cork v Meath: John Cleary sticks with same 15 as Rebels seek response

Cork manager John Cleary has made no changes to his starting team for Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC Round 1 encounter with Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn (5.30pm).

Whether that remains the case when the ball is thrown-in at the weekend is unclear.

The Rebels were below their best in a disappointing eight-point loss to an understrength Kerry side in the Munster final two weeks ago, and the Leesiders now look to respond.

It’s a new competition and a quick enough turnaround, but this Cork team have been decent at responding to setbacks over the last few years, even if it’s happening more often than they would like.

No Brian Hurley and Dara Sheedy on the match-day panel, which is no surprise after Cleary hinted during the week that both were unlikely to feature.

Seán Brady is sidelined with the hamstring injury he picked up in the defeat to Kerry.

Jacob O’Driscoll returns to the bench in place of Brady in what is the only change among the substitutes from the Munster final.

Regardless of the result at Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork will have a three-week break before their next championship outing, which will be either Round 2A or Round 2B.

CORK (v Meath):

Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree);

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), Seán McDonnell (Mallow), Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues);

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

Subs: Micheál Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers), Jacob O’Driscoll (Valley Rovers), Matty Taylor (Mallow), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown), Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven), David Buckley (Newcestown), Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree), Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers), Conor Daly (Clonakilty).