Skipper Cronin gets nod to start for Cork

Cork senior hurling captain Patrick Cronin has been passed fit to start in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final showdown against Tipperary.

Cronin was forced off at half-time in the Munster final victory over Limerick with a hairline fracture in his ankle, a medical boot fitted for the subsequent three weeks in order to fast-track his recovery.

Serious question marks hung over the fitness of the Bishopstown hurler, having only returned to full training last Thursday week, but management are confident Cronin will see out the 70 minutes, naming the captain on the edge of the square.