Donegal v Cork: Rebels make two switches with Darragh Clifford added to bench
Cork’s Seán Walsh scores a point as Derry's Shea Downey attempts a block. Picture: Lorcan Doherty/INPHO
Cork manager John Cleary has made two enforced changes for his side’s All-Ireland SFC Round 2A clash with Donegal tomorrow in Ballybofey, with throw-in at 3pm.
It’s three weeks since the Rebels defeated Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn in the opening round, and their reward is a trip to the opposite end of the country.
Colm O’Callaghan will serve his one-match suspension after receiving a harsh red card against Meath. He sought a hearing, but the decision was upheld.
Seán Walsh comes into midfield alongside Ian Maguire. Walsh has been going well in recent weeks, but this will be an acid test for the Mitchelstown man.
The second change is in the forward line, with Ruairí Deane replacing David Buckley. The latter suffered an injury last weekend.
The bench is notable, with Dara Sheedy back after recovering from the injury he sustained in an U20 game against Kerry in April.
Cathail O’Mahony also returns, giving Cork no shortage of attacking options.
Brian Hurley is held in reserve for the second game on the trot.
Arguably the biggest news is the inclusion of Cork U20 captain Darragh Clifford among the reserves. The Éire Óg midfielder has impressed the management since being drafted in a couple of months ago, and his elevation to the matchday panel underlines how well he has progressed in a short space of time.
The Leesiders are aiming to reach the last eight for the first time since 2023 with a win in Ballybofey. Should they fall short, they will have the safety net of a Round 3 tie the following weekend.
Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree);
Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty), Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree), Seán Meehan (Kiskeam);
Brian O’Driscoll (Carrigaline), Tommy Walsh (Kanturk), Luke Fahy (Ballincollig);
Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s, capt), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown);
Paul Walsh (Kanturk), Seán McDonnell (Mallow), Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues);
Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers), Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire), Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s).
Micheál Aodh Martin (Nemo Rangers), Jacob O’Driscoll (Valley Rovers), Tomás O’Mahony (Castlehaven), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Darragh Clifford (Éire Óg), Dara Sheedy (Bantry Blues), Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven), Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree), Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven), Cathail O’Mahony (Mitchelstown).
App?
