Fitzpatrick makes senior debut for Cats
The UCC student, who won All-Ireland medals with St Kieran's and the county minors last year, is rated highly by team coach Brian Cody. He is one of four debutants on the team. Jackie Tyrell, who led the county to U21 All-Ireland honours last year, gets his chance at left-half back. Tyrell starred at full-back for Cork IT in their recent defeat by Limerick IT in the Fitzgibbon Cup.
With DJ Carey and Martin Comerford unavailable, John Maher had been handed the number 13 jersey, while Walter Burke is named at left corner back for his first outing. Derry have left a vacancy at full-forward on their team to meet Down in Banagher. Gregory Biggs, although injured, will under go a late fitness test on the morning of the game.
