Murphy earns recall for Rebels as Kenny misses out

Cork make one change ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland clash with Clare — Brian Murphy completes a recovery from a broken collarbone to line out at right-half-back in place of Tom Kenny.

There was intense speculation about Murphy’s availability, and with manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy indicating Cork could spring him from the bench if he needed in the semi-final against Dublin, the Bride Rovers club man was always likely to start this weekend.

Cork will be particularly happy to see him back to face the in-form Tony Kelly of Clare. When the teams met in the Munster championship, Murphy marked Kelly and reduced his effectiveness considerably.

Since then, however, Kelly has improved, particularly impressing in Clare’s comprehensive All-Ireland semi-final win over Limerick and the hot favourite for the Young Hurler of the Year.

The player Murphy replaces, Tom Kenny, is the only other hurler left in the championship with an All-Ireland senior medal won on the field. Clare are yet to name but are expected to start the same side which did against Limerick.

CORK: A. Nash, S. McDonnell, S. O’Neill, C. O’Sullivan, B. Murphy, C. Joyce, W. Egan, L. McLoughlin, D. Kearney, S. Harnedy, P. Cronin, C. Lehane, L. O’Farrell, P. Horgan, J. Coughlan.

Subs: D. McCarthy, K. Murphy, M. Ellis, T. Kenny, S. White, R. O’Shea, C. McCarthy, C. Naughton, S. Moylan, M. O’Sullivan, M. Cussen.

CLARE (Probable): P Kelly, D O’Donovan, C Dillon, D McInerney, P O’Connor, P Donnellan (c), B Bugler, Conor Ryan, T Kelly, C Galvin, J Conlon, P Collins, Colin Ryan, C McGrath, D Honan.

Referee: B. Gavin (Offaly).