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.