Cork minors announce team for All-Ireland semi-final battle with Derry
Cork goalkeeper Rory Twohig in action against Meath. Picture: Diarmuid Brennan/Sportsfocus
Cork have named an unchanged starting 15 for Saturday’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC semi-final against Derry at Parnell Park (4pm).
It’s no surprise that manager Keith Ricken has kept faith with the side that delivered a commanding quarter-final victory over Meath a fortnight ago in Thurles. The Rebels were emphatic 13-point winners, their best all-round display of the season so far.
It was a performance built on work-rate, control and a strong spread of scorers. Goalkeeper Rory Twohig was top scorer with 0-9 — including three orange flags from frees.
Cork have built steadily, winning Munster and then moving into the All-Ireland series with that victory over Meath.
Derry’s pedigree at this grade needs no introduction. They arrive in Dublin with a strong record, a well-organised defensive structure and confidence. They beat Roscommon by six points in their All-Ireland quarter-final two weeks ago.
Cork, though, have shown enough across the season to believe they can match this latest challenge.
This is Cork’s first appearance in the All-Ireland minor football semi-final since 2021, and they are aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2019, the year they last won the competition.
The Leesiders will hope to keep the feel-good factor going around the big ball on Leeside following the seniors’ magnificent victory away to Donegal last Saturday.
Rory Twohig (Kilmeen);
Riain McCormack (Midleton), Aaron O’Sullivan (Glanmire), 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), Donal Herlihy (Shamrocks).
Billy Looney (Banteer), Donncha O’Mahony (Newcestown), Peadar Kelly (Naomh Abán), Alex O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s), Mark Power (Charleville), Micheál Walsh (Bride Rovers), Fionn O’Donovan (Clonakilty), Morgan Corkery (Nemo Rangers), Kevin O’Donovan (O’Donovan Rossa).
Donnacha Coleman (Youghal), Riain Coakley (Éire Óg).
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