The Anticipated Showdown

The Cork U20 hurling team is gearing up for their Munster U20 Hurling Championship (U20HC) opener against Clare. The match, scheduled for Wednesday at O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge, promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Rebels, under the leadership of Noel Furlong, are eager to avenge their previous loss to Clare in the provincial semi-final three years ago.

Key Survivors from the 2022 Clash

Nine players from the 2022 minor side that lost to Clare are set to take the field for Cork. These survivors include:

• Daniel O’Connell (Goalkeeper)
• Denis Cashman (Captain)
• James O’Brien
• Timmy Wilk
• Ben Walsh
• Daniel Murnane
• Peter O’Shea
• Eoin Guinane
• Ross O’Sullivan

Adam O’Sullivan, a Ballinhassig player who would likely have featured, is unfortunately out due to injury.

Experience and Youth

Four of these players—Cashman, Wilk, Walsh, and his cousin Barry—started last year’s Munster U20 final defeat to Tipperary. Additionally, O’Brien, Ross O’Sullivan, and Barry O’Flynn came on in that game, along with Adam O’Sullivan. This blend of experience and youth is expected to give Cork a competitive edge.

The Starting Lineup

The Cork lineup for the match against Clare is as follows:

CORK (Munster U20HC v Clare): Daniel O’Connell (Dromina); Denis Cashman (Bride Rovers, captain), James O’Brien (Fermoy), Timmy Wilk (Cobh); Ben Walsh (Killeagh), Cillian O’Callaghan (Dungourney), Daniel Murnane (Carrigtwohill); Peter O’Shea (Erin’s Own), Eoin Guinane (Valley Rovers); Ryan Deasy (Ballymartle), John Wigginton Barrett (St Finbarr’s), Barry Walsh (Killeagh); Johnnie Murphy (Dromina), Barry O’Flynn (Sarsfields), Ross O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh).

Substitutes

The substitutes for the match include:

Subs: Oisín Walsh (Youghal), Carthaigh Cronin (Midleton), David O’Leary (Ballincollig), Matthew Barrett (Carrigtwohill), John Murphy (Mallow), Zach Biggane (Charleville), Oisín Fitzgerald (St Catherine’s), Mark O’Brien (Douglas), Dylan McCarthy (Killeagh).

Upcoming Challenges

Following the Clare match, Cork will face Tipperary in their first home game at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The Shannonsiders, who recently won against Limerick, will provide a formidable challenge for the Rebels.

FAQ Section

Who is leading the Cork U20 hurling team?

Noel Furlong is the manager of the Cork U20 hurling team.

Who are the key players from the 2022 minor side?

The key players from the 2022 minor side include Daniel O’Connell, Denis Cashman, James O’Brien, Timmy Wilk, Ben Walsh, Daniel Murnane, Peter O’Shea, Eoin Guinane, and Ross O’Sullivan.

What is the significance of the match against Clare?

The match against Clare is significant as it is a rematch from the 2022 provincial semi-final where Cork lost to Clare.

Did You Know?

Cork’s blend of experience and youth, with nine survivors from the 2022 minor side, is expected to give them a competitive edge in the Munster U20HC opener against Clare.

Pro Tips

Keep an eye on the full-back line of Cashman, O’Brien, and Wilk, as they are expected to play a crucial role in the match.