McDonnell and Ellis get starting spots for Cork

CORK manager Denis Walsh has introduced defensive newcomers Stephen McDonnell and Mark Ellis to his team for their Allianz Division 1 Hurling League match with Offaly at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday. Glen Rovers player McDonnell gets the nod at right corner-back while Millstreet hurler Ellis will line out at centre-back.

Walsh has only named seven of the team that started in last August’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat by Kilkenny, with goalkeeper Anthony Nash, left half-back Ray Ryan, midfielders Jerry O’Connor and William Egan, centre-forward Patrick Cronin and full-forward Paudie O’Sullivan all drafted into the side.

Meanwhile, Limerick boss Donal O’Grady has recalled ten players who opted out of the county panel last season under former manager Justin McCarthy in his team for their Allianz Division 2 Hurling League opener against Clare on Sunday afternoon.