Cork Minors have adapted without Shane Kingston, says Denis Ring

The absence of Shane Kingston is a major blow to Cork’s hopes of beating Limerick tonight (7.30pm, Gaelic Grounds) for the second time in this year’s Electric Ireland Munster minor hurling championship, manager Denis Ring has admitted.

Kingston scored 1-9 against the Shannonsiders in April as Cork rallied from three points down at half-time to win by 10 at Páirc Uí Rinn.

But Douglas player Kingston sustained a broken fibula and ligament damage in a challenge game against Clare in May and is set to miss the remainder of the season.

Ahead of tonight’s semi-final, Ring said: “We’ve known now for a month, so it’s given us time to adjust and adapt. From that point of view, we’re happy enough where we are.

“Shane will be there alright, in a supportive role as he has been all the time. The main thing for Shane is that he makes a full and proper recovery from such a serious injury.

“It’s all about the panel and there’s no point having one unless you believe that fellas can come in and contribute to the team.

“We have a very happy, committed bunch biting at the bit and there’s a huge challenge in front of them, playing a Limerick team going for a third successive Munster title on their home patch.” The goalposts have shifted significantly since that quarter-final clash, as Limerick recovered to come through a play-off against Waterford.

In their two games, Leo O’Connor’s champions have learned plenty about themselves and the additions of Conor Houlihan, Mikey Mackey and Brian Ryan have strengthened the team considerably.

Ring noted: “A few key things have come in their (Limerick’s) favour.

“They have the benefit of an extra game and changed every line of their team bar goalkeeper.

“You can learn more from defeat than victory and they were particularly impressive against Waterford in the second half, when they pulled away from them.

“They’re at home as well and will see the unavailability of Shane Kingston as a big boost to them. Houlihan, Mackey and Ryan are also huge additions to them.”

Limerick will line out with six of the team that started against Kilkenny in last year’s All-Ireland final. In contrast, Kingston was the only player who started for Cork in last year’s Munster semi-final still involved in the 2015 set-up.

John Looney came on as a sub in the second half and starts at left corner forward this evening.

The winners will play Tipperary in the provincial decider at Semple Stadium on July 12.

CORK:

D Dalton (Fr O’Neills); S Smyth (Midleton), D Griffin (Carrigaline), C McCarthy (Blarney); M Coleman (Blarney), E Murphy (Sarsfields, capt.), D Lowney (Clonakilty); C O’Leary (Valley Rovers), D Fitzgibbon (Charleville); L Healy (Sarsfields), M O’Halloran (Blackrock), T O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum); S Powter (Douglas), C Cormack (Blackrock), J Looney (Aghada).

LIMERICK:

E McNamara (Doon, capt.); T Hayes (Doon), C McSweeney (South Liberties), J O’Grady (Knockainey); C Byrnes (Murroe-Boher), P O’Loughlin (Kilmallock), C Houlihan (Na Piarsaigh); D Carroll (Kilteely Dromkeen), T Grimes (Na Piarsaigh); K Hayes (Kildimo Pallaskenry), S Flanagan (Feohanagh Castlemahon), B Ryan (South Liberties); P Casey (Na Piarsaigh), M Mackey (Adare), B Murphy (Doon).