Cork v Clare: Two changes as Rebels name team for Banner battle

Robert Downey has been named in the Cork team for Sunday’s Munster SHC clash with Clare at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (4pm).

The Glen Rovers defender was forced off late in the home win over Limerick four weeks ago with an ankle injury and there were fears that he might be a doubt for the provincial final if Cork were to get there but his recovery has been so quick that he has been given the number 6 jersey.

He indirectly takes the place of captain Darragh Fitzgibbon, ruled out following an appendectomy last weekend, with vice-captain Mark Coleman leading the team out on Sunday.

The other changes sees Barry Walsh come back into the team, having missed the win over Waterford a fortnight ago as his load was managed following exertions with the U20 team. Hugh O’Connor, who made his first championship start in Azzurri Walsh Park, is named among the substitutes, while Declan Dalton is part of the matchday 26 for the first time in this year’s Munster campaign. Micheál Mullins, who started the league final loss to Limerick, also returns following illness.

With Ciarán Joyce, Robbie O’Flynn and Dáire O’Leary out along with Fitzgibbon, Cork manager Ben O’Connor is having to shuffle his pack but he is satisfied with the depth available to him and his selectors.

“At this stage, if we're not confident in firing one of them lads in, where are we going?” he said.

“We think we have a good panel; we'll see now on Sunday, when we have a few more players to replace.

We're happy with the depth of our squad at the moment and we feel fellas are going well at training.

“We'd love to be picking from a full panel. The fellas that aren't getting game-time, obviously they're disappointed for the fellas that get injured, but it’s a chance to get in themselves.

“If they get in to the team and perform, then it’s their jersey to hold on to.”

CORK (Munster SHC v Clare): 

Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig); 

Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), Damien Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), Seán O’Donoghue (Inniscarra); 

Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Mark Coleman (Blarney, c); 

Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum), Tommy O’Connell (Midleton); 

Barry Walsh (Killeagh), Shane Barrett (Blarney), Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold); 

Alan Connolly (Blackrock), Brian Hayes (St Finbarr’s), William Buckley (St Finbarr’s).

Subs: Paudie O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neill’s), Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neill’s), Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers), Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum), Micheál Mullins (Glen Rovers), Hugh O’Connor (Newmarket), Séamus Harnedy (St Ita’s), Pádraig Power (Blarney), Shane Kingston (Douglas), Alan Walsh (Kanturk), Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neill’s).