Canty returns for Cork

Cork make three changes from the team which drew with Kildare for the visit of Fermanagh to Páirc Uí Chaoímh on Sunday (throw-in 2.30pm).

The game marks the return of Nicholas Murphy for his first game in the league, with Cork defending an unbeaten record, having defeated Meath 1-15 to 0-9 on the opening day and drawing with Kildare 0-14 each.

The Carrigaline player is named at left half-forward in place of the injured Paddy Kelly.

The other changes are in defence, where fit-again Noel O’Donovan resumes at full-back instead of Ray Carey, one of the stars of CIT’s historic Sigerson Cup triumph last week.

The Bishopstown defender started against Meath, but was replaced by Carey during the second half and he occupied the position for the next game against Kildare.

Michael Shields is named at left half-back instead of Ger Spillane, with Noel O’Leary and captain Graham Canty completing the sector.

Canty’s inclusion is a timely boost given that he was considered doubtful after suffering a hamstring injury against Kildare, but he’s recovered to take his place at centre-back. Cork are in joint second place in the table along with Kildare after just two of the seven-game schedule.

Monaghan lead the way with maximum points. Fermanagh are one of three teams on two points, following an opening-day home defeat by Monaghan and an away success against Meath.

Sunday’s game is the first of four on consecutive weekends for Cork, who travel to play Laois on Saturday week before hosting Wexford and then travelling to Monaghan.

Cork wrap up their programme with a visit from Armagh on April 12.

Cork’s forwards go into the game with a high degree of confidence, none more so than Daniel Goulding.

The Éire Óg player was another to catch the eye during CIT’s exciting march to the title, giving an exhibition of top-class shooting from placed balls, notably in the first half of the final against Dublin IT.

Fintan Goold’s four-point contribution against Kildare is an example of the potential in the attack which has Donncha O’Connor as the leading scorer with seven points.

CORK: A Quirke; J Miskella, N O’Donovan , A Lynch; N O’Leary, G Canty (captain), M Shields; A O’ Connor, P O ’Neill, C Mc Carthy, F Goold, N Murphy; D Goulding, M Cussen, D O’Connor.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.