Pat Ryan hails return of experienced Cork duo

The return of experienced defenders Christopher Joyce and Lorcan McLoughlin is a major boost to the Cork senior hurling management ahead of tomorrow’s NHL opener against Galway (Pearse Stadium, 2pm).

Cork had to plan without Joyce for most of last year after the Na Piarsaigh man tore his cruciate in the early stages of the League, while Lorcan McLoughlin’s return after a collarbone injury also strengthens Cork’s squad considerably.

“It’s a huge boost to us, they’re both terrific players,” says Cork selector Pat Ryan. “I’d have only known them from the outside before now, really, before coming on board with Cork, and they’re fantastically well respected within the squad - Kieran (Kingston, manager) would have told us that beforehand.