Micheál Aodh Martin back in goal for Cork's championship opener with Limerick

The Nemo man gets the nod ahead of Patrick Doyle.

NET GAIN: Cork goalkeeper Micheál Aodh Martin comes on to replace teammate Patrick Doyle. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Cork goalkeeper Patrick Doyle has been relegated to the bench for the county’s Munster SFC quarter-final against Limerick, replaced by Micheál Aodh Martin.

Doyle had overtaken Martin as Cork’s first-choice No.1 during the spring, starting between the sticks in six of their eight League outings, including the promotion-clinching victory away to Tyrone and subsequent Division 2 decider defeat to Meath.

But in the wake of Doyle's kick-out malfunction during the defeat to Meath, management have returned Martin to the starting line-up for Sunday's visit of Limerick (Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm).

Martin's last start was the Round 5 League defeat away to Derry, another outing where the Cork restart proved most problematic. He too was similarly benched for the visit of Kildare a fortnight later.

Martin replacing Doyle is the sole change to the team that came up two points short of Meath in the League final. Dara Sheedy, fresh off his 0-4 contribution during Thursday’s Munster U20 draw against Clare, will make his senior championship debut.

Forward colleague Steven Sherlock is making his first championship appearance since the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final defeat to Louth in June 2024.

Cork (v Limerick): MA Martin; M Shanley, D O’Mahony, S Meehan; B O’Driscoll, T Walsh, L Fahy; C O’Callaghan, I Maguire; P Walsh, M Cronin, S McDonnell; C Óg Jones, D Sheedy, S Sherlock.

Subs: P Doyle, T O’Mahony, R Maguire, D Cashman, S Walsh, C Cahalane, D Buckley, R Deane, E McSweeney, C Corbett, B Hurley.