Cork make five changes for Down encounter

Cork manager Gerald McCarthy has shaken up his side for Sunday's NHL Division 1A trip to Down (Ballygalget, throw-in 1pm).

The Rebels lost last weekend in their re-fixed game against Waterford but should have too much class for a Down side that has conceded 7-43 in recent losses to Clare and Offaly.

The most notable of Cork's changes will see Erin's Own clubman Patrick Fitzgerald make his league debut at left corner-back. He steps in for Brian Murphy.

Experienced midfielder Mickey O'Connell, a substitute against the Déise last week, has earned a recall to the side, while Anthony Nash, Kevin Hartnett and Jonathan O'Callaghan will also get run-outs from the start this weekend.

Neil Ronan, Donal Óg Cusack, Cian O'Connor and Diarmuid O'Sullivan are the players to make way.

Hartnett's inclusion at right half-back means John Gardiner moves to the left flank to cover O'Connor's absence.

Pa Cronin will start at full-forward, a role regular full-back O'Sullivan has filled since the start of the season, with O'Connell partnering Tom Kenny in midfield and Cronin's place at right half-forward being occupied by team captain Kieran Murphy.

CORK (NHL v Down) - A Nash; W Sherlock, K Cronin, P Fitzgerald; K Hartnett, R Curran, J Gardiner; M O'Connell, T Kenny; K Murphy, N McCarthy, K Canty; J O'Callaghan, P Cronin, J Deane.