Coleman in for Rebels

Ballinhassig’s Martin Coleman was last night named as Dónal Óg Cusack’s replacement for Sunday’s Allianz Hurling League final against Kilkenny at Semple Stadium.

Coleman has been involved with the senior hurling squad since 2003 but only made his debut in 2008 in an All-Ireland qualifier against Galway when he came on for Cusack before half-time after the latter was red carded.

Though Cusack returned for the subsequent games, the same situation won’t affect Coleman’s chances of a regular run in the side this time around after the Cloyne legend was ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury in the semi-final win over Tipperary.

The other changes to the side see Brian Murphy return to corner back, at the expense of Conor O’Sullivan, while Conor Lehane comes back in at wing forward.

Luke O’Farrell retains his spot at right corner forward after impressing with 1-2 against Tipperary, while Jamie Coughlan drops to the bench. With Cork’s interest in inter-county U21 football now concluded, Damien Cahalane joins the panel. In Cusack’s absence, Glen Rovers’ attacker Patrick Horgan captains the side.

CORK SH (v Kilkenny): M Coleman; S O’Neill, S McDonnell, B Murphy; S Óg hAilpín, E Cadogan, W Egan; L McLoughlin, J Gardiner; C Lehane, P Cronin, N McCarthy; L O’Farrell, P O’Sullivan,P Horgan.

Subs: A Nash, C O’Sullivan, D Cahalane, T Kenny, C Joyce, D Sweetnam, R Cashman, J Coughlan, C Naughton, C McCarthy, B Corry.

nIt was reported in yesterday’s Irish Examiner Munster MHC report of the clash between Limerick and Cork that Limerick minor hurler Liam O’Sullivan is from the Doon club. It should be clarified that he is from the Knockaderry club.