Rebels keep star performers in reserve

DUAL performer Diarmuid O'Sullivan and Nemo Rangers ace Joe Kavanagh are again being held in reserve as the Cork selectors announce the same starting 15 that toppled Kerry in the penultimate stage of the competition for next Sunday's Bank of Ireland, Munster SFC final with Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

Both O’Sullivan, who will line out at full back for the Cork hurlers later in the afternoon at the same venue, and Kavanagh, plagued by a back injury for the past couple of seasons, were introduced as substitutes in the game against Kerry. Kavanagh replaced Nicholas Murphy, while O’Sullivan took over from Philip Clifford in the right corner of attack and scored a point following his introduction.

Jim O’Donoghue and Colin Crowley, who were also sprung from the bench during the Kerry game will again sit out the start of this one. O’Donoghue deputised for Michael O’Sullivan, while Crowley came on for Fionan Murray.

Exciting Clonakilty prospect Conrad Murphy, who also made an appearance in the dethroning of the Kingdom, is on the absent list on this occasion, having been red-carded in a club game.

Limerick are doubtful about the availability of midfield player John Galvin for their qualifier with Mayo at Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon on Saturday. Galvin tore a muscle in last weekend’s massive triumph over Cavan and the Limerick selectors are waiting until today to name their side, in the hope that he has fully recovered.

Meanwhile, former Dublin goalkeeper John O’Leary has confirmed he will remain on as Wicklow manager, though his position has not yet been formally ratified.

Despite their 22-point drubbing at the hands of Kerry in last Sunday week’s qualifier, O’Leary said the team would take a few months break and then reconsider the situation.

“I’ll definitely be staying on, have a look at the local championship, see what comes out of it, and take it from there,” he added.

But O’Leary looks as if he will have to plan for the national league without the Rathnew pair, Darren and Ronan Coffey.

We will have to learn from the Kerry game and look at what is required to bring Wicklow to a higher level. I don’t see any quick fix but I still believe it’s possible to bring Wicklow football forward,” added O’Leary.

CORK (SF v Tipperary): K O’Dwyer; E Sexton, C O’Sullivan, A Lynch; S Levis, R McCarthy, G Canty; N Murphy, M O’Sullivan; BJ O’Sullivan, M Cronin, A Cronin; P Clifford, C Corkery, F Murray. Subs: A Quirke, J Miskella, M O’Donovan, P Kissane, D O’Sullivan, C Crowley, N O’Leary, J Kavanagh, K Murphy, M McCarthy, N Geary, J O’Shea, M O´ Cronín, J O’Donoghue.