Ronan fails to feature in Cork hurling side

Neil Ronan has been kept in reserve by Cork manager Gerald McCarthy for Sunday's Munster SHC opener against Clare (Semple Stadium, throw-in 2pm).

McCarthy named his side after training last night, and has opted for Timmy McCarthy at full-forward instead of Ronan, who was passed fit after recovering from a finger injury he sustained during the National Hurling League.

In all, Cork have made four changes to the side that lost 1-19 to 1-16 to Waterford in last month's NHL Division One semi-finals.

Shane O'Neill and Kevin Hartnett lose out in defence, with Cian O'Connor and John Gardiner gaining starting berths at left corner back and right wing back respectively.

The Rebels will boast a very experienced full-forward line this weekend, with Timmy McCarthy and Joe Deane joining Ben O'Connor up front. Ronan and Eoghan Murphy are the players to make way.

Kieran Murphy captains the side, with Bishopstown's Patrick Cronin set to make his championship debut in the half-forward line.

The Cork line-up includes 12 players from the team that started last year's All-Ireland final, with retired duo Brian Corcoran and Pat Mulcahy two notable absentees.

CORK (SHC v Clare) - D Og Cusack; B Murphy, D O'Sullivan, C O'Connor; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Og O hAilpin; T Kenny, J O'Connor; K Murphy (capt), N McCarthy, P Cronin; B O'Connor, T McCarthy, J Deane.