23-05-2025
Hurley misses out through injury as Cleary makes three Cork changes for Meath clash
Cork football boss John Cleary has made three changes to his side for the All-Ireland SFC Group 2 opener against Meath in Navan on Saturday (throw-in, 3pm).
Captain Brian Hurley misses out through injury with Cathail O'Mahony drafted in to start at full-forward.
Despite the blow of Hurley's absence, O'Mahony has enjoyed a run of fitness of late that has allowed the Michelstown marksman to build up his form, culminating in his inclusion in Cleary's starting 15 alongside Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin in the full-forward line.
Cork's Brian Hurley breaks away from a Louth defender. Pic: David Creedon
Michéal Aodh Martin starts between the sticks, while the other two changes come in the full-back line. Seán Brady - suspended following his controversial red card in the extra-time loss to Kerry in the Munster semi-final - and Tommy Walsh - suffering with a heel issue - miss out.
Their replacements come in the form of experienced duo Seán Meehan and Maurice Shanley, who join mainstay Daniel O'Mahony. The Páirc Tailteann clash will mark Kiskeam defender Meehan's maiden start of the season.
Brian O'Driscoll, Rory Maguire and Matty Taylor are once again named in the half-back line, with fit-again Luke Fahy among the subs.
The midfield pair of St Finbarr's Ian Maguire and Éire Óg's Colm O'Callaghan slot in once more in the 8 and 9 berths.
Having put down an impressive maiden campaign thus far, Mallow's Seán O'Donnell keeps his place at half-forward, where he is accompanied by Paul Walsh and Seán Powter.
There is a first competitive matchday squad appearance for newcomer Éanna O'Hanlon, who linked up with the panel this season, while Conor Corbett is forced to sit this one out as he continues to work his way back to match fitness following his recovery from an ACL tear last summer.
Cork: M A Martin (Nemo Rangers); S Meehan (Kiskeam), D O'Mahony (Knocknagree), M Shanley (Clonakilty); B O'Driscoll (Carrigaline), R Maguire (Castlehaven), M Taylor (Mallow); I Maguire (St Finbarr's), C O'Callaghan (Éire Óg); P Walsh (Kanturk), S Powter (Douglas), S McDonnell (Mallow); M Cronin (Nemo Rangers), C O'Mahony (Mitchelstown), C Óg Jones (Iveleary).
Subs: P Doyle (Knocknagree), B Murphy (Nemo Rangers), N Lordan (Ballinora), D Cashman (Millstreet), L Fahy (Ballincollig), S Walsh (Mitchelstown), C Cahalane (Castlehaven), E McSweeney (Knocknagree), R Deane (Bantry Blues), É O'Hanlon (Kilshannig), H O'Connor (Newmarket).
