Cleary names unchanged Cork side for Kerry showdown

Cleary has retained newcomers Seán Brady and Neil Lordan alongside Daniel O'Mahony in his full-back line for the Munster last-four clash, with the pair having impressed throughout their maiden league campaign.

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025 - 10:06

Shane Donovan

Cork boss John Cleary has kept the faith with the starting 15 that eased past Limerick in the Munster SFC quarter-final for their showdown with Kerry at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night (throw-in, 7pm).

The Ballygarvan and Ballinora pair will likely be tasked with tagging Paul and Dylan Geaney, with the more experienced Maurice Shanley and Tommy Walsh among the replacements, while Lnocknagree's Daniel O'Mahony will renew his battle with David Clifford.

Cork's Daniel O'Mahony steals possession off Kerry's David Clifford during the Munster SFC semi-final at Fitzgerald Stadium last year. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Micheál Aodh Martin is between the sticks, with Brian O'Driscoll, Rory Maguire and Matty Taylor named in the half-back line.

The tried and trusted midfield pair of St Finbarr's Ian Maguire and Éire Óg's Colm O'Callaghan slot in once more in the 8 and 9 berths.

Having put down a steady maiden league campaign, Mallow's Seán O'Donnell keeps his place at half-forward, where is joined by Paul Walsh and Eoghan McSweeney.

Brian Hurley spearheads the Cork inside-line, with Mark Cronin and Chris Óg Jones stationed either side of the Castlehaven man.

Ruairi Deane, Cathail O'Mahony and Seán Powter are primed to make an impact off the Rebel bench.

Cork: MA Martin; S Brady, D O'Mahony, N Lordan; B O'Driscoll, R Maguire, M Taylor; I Maguire, C O'Callaghan; P Walsh, E McSweeney, S O'Donnell; M Cronin, B Hurley, C Óg Jones.

Subs: P Doyle, B Murphy, T Walsh, M Shanley, D Cashman, S Powter, C Cahalane, S Walsh, R Deane, C O'Mahony, H O'Connor.