MANAGER DENIS RING has been able to include a bit of senior county talent in his Cork side after unveiling the team to face Limerick in the Munster U20 Hurling quarter-final on Wednesday in Pairc Ui Rinn (throw-in 19.30).
Half back Robert Downey has featured for the senior Rebels in this summer’s Championship, while goalkeeper Ger Collins and substitute Ger Millerick have also sampled senior county hurling.
Downey and Collins represent two of 10 players in this starting line-up who were part of the Cork Minor side that narrowly lost the 2017 All-Ireland final at the hands of Galway.
Added to that contingent are full forward Shane O’Regan, Simon Kennefick and Daire Connery start behind him, with midfielder Tommy O’Connell and half back Ryan Walsh.
The prize awaiting the winners in Pairc Ui Rinn this week is a final four clash with Clare on 10 July.
Cork U20 (v Limerick)
1. Ger Collins (Ballinhassig)
2. Conor O’Callaghan (Dromtarriffe)
3. James Keating (Kildorrery — Captain)
4. Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers)
5. Ryan Walsh (Kanturk)
6. Sean O’Leary-Hayes (Midleton)
7. Robert Downey (Glen Rovers)
8. Tommy O’Connell (Midleton)
9. Brian Roche (Bride Rovers)
10. Simon Kennefick (Glen Rovers)
11. Craig Hanifin (Na Piarsaigh)
12. Daire Connery (Na Piersaigh)
13. Brian Turnbull (Douglas)
14. Shane O’Regan (Watergrasshill)
15. Evan Sheehan (Na Piarsaigh)
Subs
16. Ian Butler (Kildorrery)
17. Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills)
18. Ronan Sheehan (Mallow)
19. Jamie Copps (Ballyhea )
20. Declan Hanlon (Blarney)
21. Sean Twomey (Courcey Rovers)
22. Liam O’ Shea (Lisgoold)
23. Barry Murphy (Castlelyons)
24. Padraig Power (Blarney)
Throw McClean up against ivanovic on the wing and McClean will make him look like shit
Serbs are expecting us to sit back, let’s hope we do not, let’s play high tempo and put the shitz up them
I’m after losing interest in this match for the fact that MON has put loyalty ahead of picking some of our better performing players.
Like who?
You’ll probably say they are tripe then join the tournament bandwagon
Other than mcgeady (who is really only there because no one else creative has put their hand up – or is fit (judge)), I don’t think anyone is in that squad due to loyalty alone?
Not too many were unlucky to miss out either – maybe pilkington, mason, Egan and Doherty are the only ones I can think of….?
John Egan,Matt Doherty and Conor Hourihane are currently playing better and are 23,24 and 25 respectively so they are not exactly kids.Its a shame that these lads could end up like Weso making their debut in their latter years.
Connor Sammon, of course.
I think the idea behind this squad is trying to keep the Euros form rolling. It would be hard to get Egan, Doherty and Hourihane up to speed with just a friendly against Oman. We actually have a lot of options at centre back and in midfield, so calling up Egan and Hourihane would be a bit pointless outside of giving them exposure. Every minute you spend getting them up to speed is a minute that could be spent preparing for Serbia.
@Ewan
We can have a million options but the players I mentioned are better than who MON has in the squad according to current stats.Also I don’t know what ‘up to speed’ you are on about,these lads are starting for their clubs,are club captains and are scoring goals.
Hourihane has played what 4-5 games in the championship and you want him
In ahead of lads that start for their clubs in the prem (and other than Hendrick also did last year)??
Same with Egan….
I think it’s a bit too much to be expecting such a quick step up to international football (though I’d agree I’d like to see them in squad).
Re Doherty having been watched both Christie and him, for me Christie offers more….. Particularly with his lacs given the lack of pace across the rest of the back 4!
It always frustrates me how good players are before they are called up for us.
Glenn whelan was an absolute super star when he was captaining Wednesday and not getting called up for us….. Daryl Murphy, Gibson, ward, McCarthy, Sheridan – were all much better players before they were given a chance and then suddenly once they were people were asking why they kept being picked!!
@Augustus
I gave you their ages above.When do we give these players their first cap.Do we wait till they turn 30?.
Either in a friendly – or if it’s a competitive match (this match is huge for the entire campaign) when they have clearly shown they are the best options available. 4-5 games at the same or a level below those they are competing with, isn’t clearly showing it…..
O,Connell at Celtic Horgan at Dundalk to name 2
Serbians