Cork's Barry Walsh starts as race for Munster U20 honours heats up

Cork, Clare and Tipperary are guaranteed spots in the knockout section, and for Furlong's men, it's all about sealing top spot and a direct route to the Munster final.

Barry Walsh of Cork in action against Robert Doyle of Tipperary. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Cork under-20 hurling boss Noel Furlong has named senior star Barry Walsh in his starting 15 for their final Munster U20HC group clash against Clare.

As the round-robin phase comes to a close at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and TUS Gaelic Grounds, respectively, Cork, Clare and Tipperary are guaranteed spots in the knockout section.

For Furlong's men, it's all about sealing top spot and a direct route to the Munster final.

Having missed the under-20HC win over Waterford, Killeagh forward Walsh returns to under-20 duty after fine outings in both of Cork's opening two Munster SHC victories over All-Ireland champions Tipperary and Limerick.

Óisín Walsh continues in goal, with the full-back trio of Denis Fitzgerald, Matthew Barrett and Darragh Heavin retained, while Michael T Brosnan, Colm Garde and Ballincollig's David O’Leary form the half-back line.

Killeagh's Ben Walsh is in midfield, where he is named alongside Kanturk's Conor Noonan.

Johnny Murphy leads the Rebel attack from his 11 berth, where he is flanked by Zach Biggane and captain Barry O'Flynn. Finn O'Brien and James O'Brien partner the aforementioned Walsh inside.

Cork (v Clare): O Walsh (Youghal); D Fitzgerald (Bride Rovers), M Barrett (Carrigtwohill), D Heavin (Russell Rovers); M T Brosnan (Glen Rovers), C Garde (Lisgoold), D O’Leary (Ballincollig); Ben Walsh (Killeagh), C Noonan (Kanturk), Z Biggane (Charleville), J Murphy (Dromina), B O’Flynn (Sarsfields), F O’Brien (Erin’s Own), Barry Walsh (Killeagh), J O’Brien (Cloyne).

Subs: T Walsh (Aghada), R O’Riordan (Blackrock), J Galvin (Éire Óg), J Counihan (Watergrasshill), J Murphy (Mallow), J O’Brien (Douglas), C Deane (Killeagh), C O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh), M O’Brien (Douglas).

Clare (v Cork): M Sheedy; E Gunning, R Loftus, J Casey; J Moylan, R Hayes, M O’Halloran; D Costelloe, G Ball; M Collins, R Kilroy, F Hegarty; S Boyce, T O’Connor, P Rodgers.

Subs: C Doyle, J Mescall, H Doherty, R Keane, M Cleary, D Moroney, S Arthur, D Neville, J Hegarty.

Tipperary (v Limerick): P McCormack; C O’Reilly, E Morris, D Ryan; A Ryan, E Murray, S Cleary; C Ryan, S Rowan; S Tobin, T Ryan, D Costigan; R Ryan, J Ormond, C Fitzpatrick.

Subs: D Hayes, E Doughan, J Donelan Houlihan, S Hall, J Hayes, O O’Donoghue, D O Hora, P Ryan, S Ryan.

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