Skipper Shields back in full-back berth for Cork
Shields missed the wins over Kildare and Dublin after sustaining a knee injury in the Rebels’ league opener against Westmeath, but he has been passed fit to start at full-back, in place of Eoin Cadogan, who will be with the Cork hurlers for the second part of Sunday’s double-header, against Offaly.
With Aidan Walsh also hurling, Andrew O’Sullivan comes into midfield to partner Fintan Goold. Tomás Clancy of Fermoy drops from wing-back to cover for Noel Galvin, who suffered a hamstring injury against Dublin, with Kevin O’Driscoll coming in at number 7. Clonakilty’s Tom Clancy replaces Conor Dorman at centre-back, Dorman missing out due to U21 commitments. In addition, Patrick Kelly is listed among the Cork substitutes and could make his first appearance since last August, having suffered with a hip injury since then.
Elsewhere, Allianz Hurling League Division 1B leaders Wexford have been hit by the news that wing-back Andrew Shore will miss the remainder of the league campaign.
Shore received a broken ankle during Leinster’s win over Connacht in last Saturday’s Interprovincial Hurling Championship final.
Shore’s absence adds to manager Liam Dunne’s defensive problems as Ciarán Kenny will also miss this weekend’s clash with Limerick due to a hamstring injury, while Richie Kehoe is suspended and Eoin Moore is also out. Conor McDonald will also miss the clash with the Shannonsiders with a broken finger as will Oulart-the-Ballagh pair David Redmond and Garrett Sinnott.
CORK (Allianz FL Division 1v Derry): K O’Halloran (Bishopstown); A Cronin (Nemo Rangers), M Shields (St Finbarr’s), Tomás Clancy (Fermoy); J Loughrey (Mallow), Tom Clancy (Clonakilty), K O’Driscoll (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh); F Goold (Macroom), A O’Sullivan (Castletownbere); M Collins (Castlehaven), P Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers), J O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers); D Goulding (Éire Óg), B Hurley (Castlehaven), J Hayes (Carbery Rangers).
Subs: D Hanrahan (Douglas), J McLoughlin (Kanturk), J Wall (Kilbrittain), R Deane (Bantry Blues), M Ó Laoire (Naomh Abán), Barry O’Driscoll (Nemo Rangers), C O’Driscoll (Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh), D Óg Hodnett (O’Donovan Rossa), D O’Connor (Ballydesmond), C O’Neill (Ballyclough), P Kelly (Ballincollig).
