Stephen McDonnell out for Cork hurlers but Gary Keegan involved again in 2018

New Cork senior hurling manager John Meyler says the new championship structure means the Rebels won’t start the same 15 in four consecutive games as they did last summer — and he confirmed they must plan without last year’s captain, Glen Rovers’ Stephen McDonnell.

“Stephen’s not in our plans,” said Meyler yesterday. “He’s taking time out in 2018 so he won’t be available.

“Our aim is to get two players for each position, it always is. With the five league games, possibly league play-offs, the new format for the Munster championship — you’re going to have to have two players for each position.