Cork U-20 pitchers make three changes for Munster’s final against Tipp

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THERE ARE three changes to the Cork U20 hurling team for Wednesday’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U20 hurling final against Tipperary.

Colin O’Brien and Brian Hayes, who turned off the lights with 1-9 from the bench between them in a thrilling overtime win over Limerick, and 18-year-old Darragh Flynn of Ballygiblin replace Sam Quirke, Seán Twomey and Jack Cahalane in the starting 15.

Flynn was the leading scorer in last year’s minor championship and will offer pace in midfield, while Hayes and O’Brien are powerful options to win the ball up front.

Colin O'Brien celebrates with family members after a Man of the Match display in the U17 win over Galway in 2017. Image: Sam Barnes / Sportsfile
Colin O’Brien celebrates with family members after a Man of the Match display in the U17 win over Galway in 2017. Image: Sam Barnes / Sportsfile

That still gives Pat Ryan and his selectors some strength from the bench in the clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, live on TG4 from 7.15pm, including Shane O’Regan, Pádraig Power and Brian O’Sullivan.

As Limerick’s senior pitchers have shown in recent months, being able to finish with a lineup as strong as the one you are starting is increasingly important at GAA.

Shane O'Regan will be a key option from the bench. Image: Matt Browne / Sportsfile
Shane O’Regan will be a key option from the bench. Image: Matt Browne / Sportsfile

Cork is the favorite to advance straight to All-Ireland against winners Galway and Dublin in early January, although Tipp has been the team to beat in this grade in recent years.

Cork opened his campaign at Tralee in October before all games were called off and then came back to knock out Limerick in the provincial semifinal. Tipp beat Clare and Waterford, in a comeback that required an additional 20 minutes, and they were Irish champions in 2018 and ’19 at the expense of Cork.

CORK (U20 hurling v Tipp): E Davis (from Santa Catalina); C O’Callaghan (Dromtarriffe, c), E Roche (Bride Rovers), A Walsh Barry (Carrigtwohill); D Connery (Na Piarsaigh), C Joyce (Castlemartyr), D O’Leary (Watergrasshill); T O’Connell (Midleton), D Flynn (Ballygiblin); E Carey (Kilworth), B Hayes (St Finbarr’s), C O’Brien (Liscarroll / Churchtown Gaels); B Roche (Bride Rovers), A Connolly (Blackrock), S Barrett (Blarney).

Subs: D Maher (Douglas), C O’Brien (Newtown), F Denny (Ballincollig), B O’Sullivan (Kanturk), S Quirke (Midleton), S Twomey (Courcey Rovers), P Power (Blarney), SO ‘Regan (Watergrasshill), J Cahalane (St Finbarr’s).

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