Seamus Harnedy returns for Cork’s Wexford clash

Seamus Harnedy returns to Cork’s starting line-up for their All-Ireland SHC qualifier against Wexford at Innovate Wexford Park on Saturday night.

The St Ita’s clubman was marked absent through injury as the Rebels succumbed to Waterford in the Munster semi-final. Jimmy Barry-Murphy has selected Harnedy at full-forward representing a huge boost to the Leesiders.

Harnedy’s presence in attack was sorely missed as the Déise ran out 3-19 to 1-21 victors previously.

Yet, stationed in the inside line alongside Alan Cadogan and Patrick Horgan, Harnedy will add zest to Cork’s offensive unit.

Castlemartyr’s Brian Lawton is also pencilled into the side as Cork ready themselves for a winner-takes-all tie. However, experienced defender Shane O’Neill is unavailable.

Aidan Walsh, who played at wing-forward against Waterford, has been named at wing-back with Mark Ellis and Cormac Murphy manning the centre-back and other wing-back berths respectively.

Pa Cronin will again operate in the centre-forward role and will be flanked by Conor Lehane and Lawton.

Additionally, Stephen McDonnell moves from corner-back to full-back, as Barry-Murphy attempts to solidify Cork’s rearguard.

Meanwhile, Clare boss Davy Fitzgerald has named a 26-man panel for Saturday’s Qualifier clash with Offaly at Ennis (throw-in 7pm).

Brendan Bugler (suspension), Conor McGrath (hamstring injury), Colm Galvin (return from US) and Aaron Cunningham (hamstring injury) all return.

Cathal O’Connell (Clonlara) misses out due to a calf strain while captain Patrick Donnellan is suspended.

CORK v (Wexford):

Anthony Nash; Damien Cahalane, Stephen McDonnell, Brian Murphy; Aidan Walsh, Mark Ellis, Cormac Murphy; Daniel Kearney, Bill Cooper; Conor Lehane, Patrick Cronin, Brian Lawton; Alan Cadogan, Seamus Harnedy, Patrick Horgan.