Cork v Mayo: Colm O'Callaghan returns as Rebels make one change

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026 - 10:00

Barry O'Mahony

Cork manager John Cleary has made one change from his side’s impressive All-Ireland SFC Round 2A win over Donegal two weeks ago for Saturday’s clash with Mayo at Croke Park (4pm).

The sides meet in what promises to be a fascinating quarter-final contest between two teams who have come on in leaps and bounds this season.

The sole adjustment from the starting team in Ballybofey sees Colm O’Callaghan return to midfield alongside Ian Maguire after serving his one-match ban.

Ian Maguire of Cork in action against Matthew Ruane of Mayo in 2023. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Seán Walsh drops to the bench but remains a strong option as an impact substitute, having impressed in the last couple of games — offering energy off the bench against Meath and performing well from the start in Donegal.

There is a defensive boost among the replacements with the return of Seán Brady following injury, while forward David Buckley has fully recovered from the hip problem that ruled him out of the Donegal game.

The Rebels are looking to build on their momentum as they aim to reach the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time since 2012.

Tommy Walsh of Cork celebrates against Donegal. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Cork and Mayo last met in championship football in 2023, when Cork edged out Mayo by three points in a tense All-Ireland group-stage encounter in Limerick.

That victory marked a key moment for the Rebels, and they’ll be hopeful of repeating that success to book their spot in this year’s semi-finals.

CORK (v Mayo):

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), Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg);

Paul Walsh (Kanturk), Dara Sheedy (Bantry Blues), Seán McDonnell (Mallow);

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), Seán Brady (Ballygarvan), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown), David Buckley (Newcestown), Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven), Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree), Ruairí Deane (Bantry Blues), Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven).

Standby players: Tomás O’Mahony (Castlehaven), Darragh Clifford (Éire Óg), Cathail O’Mahony (Mitchelstown), Paddy O’Driscoll (Gabriel Rangers).