Lynch back in Cork defence for clash with champions

ANTHONY LYNCH is recalled to the Cork team for Sunday’s All- Ireland SFC semi-final clash with champions Tyrone at Croke Park.

Lynch, who missed the whopping quarter final triumph over Donegal because of a groin strain, is restored to his customary left corner back berth, with able deputy Kieran O’Connor dropping down to the bench.

The recall of Lynch marks the only change from the side that obliterated Donegal last time out. With Alan O’Connor passed fit after sustaining a slight back injury in training, his midfield partnership with Nicholas Murphy remains intact.

The forward line also remains unchanged with Colm O’Neill, who replaced James Masters in the quarter-final, holding onto the full-forward position, the Nemo Rangers ace listed in the substitutes.

Fintan Goold, Michael Cussen and Paudie Kissane, who respectively replaced Alan O’Connor, Nicholas Murphy and John Miskella in the Donegal game, are again held in reserve.

Meanwhile, Tyrone defender Damian McCaul has ruptured a cruciate ligament for the second time in less than a year. He was close to regaining full fitness when the same knee gave way again during training.

A scan confirmed his worst fears, and the Donaghmore man faces further surgery and another year out of action. McCaul suffered his first cruciate injury while playing for UUJ last November. After undergoing surgery and spending much of the current campaign in rehabilitation and recovery, he had edged closer to a comeback by making the breakthrough to the match-day squad for last month’s Ulster final against Antrim.

“He has ruptured the cruciate again. It’s heartbreaking news for him,” Tyrone assistant manager Tony Donnelly confirmed.

Meanwhile John Bannon will take charge of the big game between Tyrone and Cork. But there are a number of venue and time changes from the fixtures announced on Monday.

CORK (SFC) v Tyrone: A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O’Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O’Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O’Neill, P Kelly, D Goulding, C O’Neill, D O’Connor. Fixtures: Saturday: All-Ireland JFC final: Cork v Roscommon, Portlaoise, 2pm, (T Quigley, Dublin).

Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 HC semi-finals: Galway v Clare, Thurles, 2.30pm, (C McAllister, Cork); Kilkenny v Antrim, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 4.30pm, (A Stapleton, Laois).

Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 B HC semi-finals: Monaghan v Roscommon, Mullingar, 7pm (C Groome, Offaly); Kildare v Kerry, Cloughjordan, 2pm, (J Healy, Clare).

ESB All-Ireland MHC B final: Westmeath v Kerry, Cloughjordan, 3.30pm, (J O’Mahoney, Limerick).

Sunday: ESB All-Ireland MFC semi-final: Kerry v Armagh, Croke Park, 1.30pm, (M Duffy, Sligo)

All-Ireland SFC semi-final: Cork v Tyrone, Croke Park, 3.30pm, (J Bannon, Longford).