First league start for Mayo's O'Connor

By Peter O'Dwyer

Cillian O'Connor will make his first league start of the season this weekend when Mayo welcome Cork to MacHale Park.

O'Connor will take his place at corner forward along with Alan Freeman and Mickey Sweeney in a potent-looking full-forward line.

Shane McHale also comes into the side for this weekend’s clash with the Rebels, in the second change from the side that defeated Westmeath last week.

The duo will replace Enda Varley and Kevin Keane respectively and manager James Horan will be hoping for an improved defensive display particularly this weekend as they welcome an unbeaten Cork side.

The Leesiders have made eight changes as manager Brian Cuthbert shuffles his pack seeking to maintain their hugely impressive start with wins over Dublin, Kildare, Derry and Westmeath under their belts so far.

Cuthbert has drafted in a number of star names including Aidan Walsh and Eoin Cadogan who return from the hurling panel for this encounter.

Also back in the side is Tom Clancy who has recovered from illness, along with Colm O’ Driscoll and Donncha O’ Connor, while Colm O’ Neill gets his first start of the campaign.

Throw in tomorrow at MacHale Park is at 2.30.