Powerful Rebels ready for Tipp

Cork seek a fourth successive intermediate win over Tipperary when they clash in the curtain-raiser at Páirc Uí Chaoimh tomorrow (2pm).

The home side, under new boss Liam Hayes, have named a fairly strong side, with seven of last year’s team involved while four of this year’s county U21 side also feature.

Michael O’Sullivan, who forms a midfield partnership with Brian Lawton, played in the league this year while Joe Jordan also has senior experience. Jordan forms a strong half-back line with Vincent Hurley and Stephen White, while inspiration in attack comes from the full-forward line of Colm Casey, Séamus Harnedy and David Drake.

Tipp, under the management of Fethard’s Mick Ryan, have the benefit of a 12-point win over Limerick in the quarter-final, while they also have the luxury of being able to name senior players. Tipp’s half-back line of James Barry, Eddie Connolly and Ronan Sherlock is very strong, with Cork’s half-forwards Olann Kelleher, Sugrue and Adrian Mannix having to ensure that their influence is limited.

At the other end, Seán Carey and Kieran Morris will be relied upon for scores, though David Butler and Damien O’Brien are also likely to weigh in.

Cork have played 10 challenge matches to date, but the championship game could stand to Tipp, the ease of the Limerick win notwithstanding. It is likely to be tight either way, however.

CORK: S Nyhan (Courcey Rovers); B Withers (Banteer), D Rodgers (Brian Dillons), B O’Sullivan (Fermoy); J Jordan (Blarney), V Hurley (Courcey Rovers), S White (Ballygarvan); M O’Sullivan (Tracton), B Lawton (Castlemartyr); O Kelleher (Blackrock), M Sugrue (Bandon), A Mannix (Kilworth); C Casey (Inniscarra), S Harnedy (St Ita’s), D Drake (Carrigaline).

TIPPERARY: J Logue (Ballingarry); G Walsh (Carrick Swan), K O’Gorman (Thurles Sarsfields), C Coughlan (Templederry Kenyons); J Barry (Upperchurch Drombane), E Connolly (Loughmore-Castleiney), R Sherlock (Silvermines); M Gleeson (Thurles Sarsfields), P White (Clonoulty-Rossmore); S Carey (Moyle Rovers), D O’Brien (Burgess), M Heffernan (Nenagh Éire Óg); K Morris (Moycarkey-Borris), J Gallagher (Kildangan), D Butler (Drom & Inch).