Coleman gets the nod to replace Dónal Óg for Cork

Cork have made three changes ahead of Sunday’s Allianz National Hurling final against Kilkenny.

BALLINHASSIG’S MARTIN COLEMAN will deputise for injured keeper Dónal Óg Cusack when Cork meet Kilkenny in Sunday’s National Hurling League final.

Rebel boss Jimmy Barry Murphy has made a total of three changes from the side which booked Cork’s place in the Semple Stadium decider with a seven-point win against Tipperary.

With Cusack ruled out for the entire Championship season by a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, Coleman now has the opportunity to stake his claim for a starting place in the Munster Championship semi-final on 24 June.

Brian Murphy has recovered from a hamstring injury and replaces Conor O’Sullivan at corner-back, while star forward Conor Lehane returns on the wing with Jamie Coughlan dropping to the bench.

Corner-forward Patrick Horgan captains the side in Cusack’s absence.

Cork (SHC v Kilkenny): Martin Coleman; Shane O’Neill, Stephen McDonnell, Brian Murphy; Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, Eoin Cadogan, William Egan; Lorcán McLoughlin, John Gardiner; Conor Lehane, Pa Cronin, Niall McCarthy; Luke O’Farrell, Paudie O’Sullivan, Patrick Horgan.