Cork keep faith with tried and trusted

SAME team, same subs. Nothing to report from Cork’s training session last evening except confirmation of what had been widely anticipated — that the selectors had once more given a vote of confidence to the side which started in the semi-final replay against Wexford.

It means that the same 15 Cork players who began the opening round against Clare on June 8 and who were retained for the subsequent Munster final against Waterford and both games with Wexford will represent the county in next Sunday's Guinness All-Ireland final against Kilkenny in Croke Park.

More significantly, Diarmuid O'Sullivan has again been named at left corner-back, even though he has regularly swapped positions with Pat Mulcahy when the need arose.

O'Sullivan is one of eight survivors from the 1999 winning team, which also featured current captain Alan Browne, who came in as a substitute in each game of the campaign. Current panellist Derek Barrett was also a substitute for the final, but didn't play (Kevin Murray being the only one aside from Browne to be introduced).

The Kilkenny selectors will announce their team tonight.

No changes are expected, except possibly a positional alteration or two.

Paddy Mullally, who was a sub in the 1999 final, is likely to retain his place at midfield and Tommy Walsh is expected to be named at left half-forward once his fitness is confirmed. There is speculation that free-taking specialist Henry Shefflin will be restored to centre-forward,having been named on the right wing against Tipperary for strategic reasons.

Paddy Mullally and Walsh didn't play in last year's All-Ireland final victory over Clare, nor diddefenders Seán Dowling or James Ryall.

Among the players to lose out (through an early-season injury) is Andy Comerford, who was the winning captain.