Cork Announce Squad for McGrath Cup Clash with tipperary
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John Cleary has named a strong Cork team to begin their defense of the McGrath Cup against Tipperary on Tuesday night in Cappawhite (7pm). The Leesiders are aiming for a third consecutive title in this pre-season competition, having won in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 competition was suspended due to a nationwide pause in pre-season games.
Team News and Key Players
The team features a familiar lineup with the notable inclusion of Kevin O’Donovan, returning from recent injury setbacks. Ruairí Deane of Bantry Blues will captain the side against a Tipperary team that recently defeated Limerick.Steven Sherlock, who took a break from the panel last year, is included amongst the substitutes.
Cleary’s team selection is somewhat constrained by the commencement of the Sigerson Cup, preventing the inclusion of players involved in that competition.
New Faces in the Squad
Three new players have been added to the substitutes bench. Darragh Newman, fresh off a accomplished season with St Finbarr’s – where they won the 2025 McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC – joins as a goalkeeper. kilshannig defender Colm O’Shea, a former Cork underage player, and Denis O’Connor of Knocknagree, who shone in the 2025 McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC, also earn call-ups. O’Connor was a key scorer for Knocknagree, contributing substantially to both goals and assists.
Looking Ahead
cleary,in his fourth full season as manager,is focused on building a competitive panel ahead of the start of the Allianz Division 2 league. Cork’s opening league game is scheduled for Sunday, January 25th, against Cavan at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Before the league begins, Cork aims to gain valuable match experience. Following the Tipperary game, they will face Limerick on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn. the team finishing top of Group B will advance to the final on Saturday,January 17th. Kerry are expected to be strong contenders from the other group.
cork Team to Play Tipperary
Starting XV: Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree),Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty),Seán Meehan (Kiskeam),Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers),Brian O’Driscoll (Carrigaline),Rory Maguire (Castlehaven),Luke Fahy (Ballincollig),Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg),Seán Walsh (Mitchelstown),Ruairí Deane (bantry Blues,capt),Seán McDonnell (Mallow),Conor Cahalane (Castlehaven),Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers),Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire),Cathail O’Mahony (Mitchelstown).
Substitutes: Darragh Newman (St Finbarr’s), Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree), colm O’Shea (Kilshannig), Matty Taylor (Mallow), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet), Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s), Luke Murphy (Cullen), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven), Denis O’Connor (Knocknagree).
Published: 2026/01/06 00:09:06