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Case for defence

Cork likely to appeal Fitzgibbon red card before Munster final as Meade set for fitness test

Cork take on Limerick in next Wednesday night’s U21 decider.

Darragh Fitzgibbon is sent off Darragh Fitzgibbon was sent-off in Walsh Park last Thursday night. Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

CORK ARE LIKELY to appeal Darragh Fitzgibbon’s one-match ban which would see him miss next Wednesday’s Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 hurling final against Limerick.

Fitzgibbon was dismissed in injury-time in last Thursday’s semi-final win over Waterford after striking goalkeeper Billy Nolan on the arm.

Despite that setback Cork managed to dig out a victory when Declan Dalton smashed home a late penalty.

It now looks like that they will request a hearing after the sending-off of Fitzgibbon, who was in brilliant form during the game as he picked off 0-3 from play at midfield.

The 20-year-old has made a major impact this season at senior level since making his championship debut against Tipperary in May and was part of the Munster senior final win over Clare earlier this month.

His one-match suspension will only cover games in that grade so he is available for Cork’s All-Ireland senior semi-final on 13 August.

While Cork wait on Fitzgibbon’s availability, there is better news for the U21 setup concerning senior forward Luke Meade.

David McInerney and David Fitzgerald with Luke Meade Luke Meade tries to break through the Clare defence in the Munster senior final Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

The Newcestown player missed that semi-final triumph against Waterford after breaking a finger in the senior decider against Clare.

But the 20-year-old returned to light training with the senior squad last night and it is hoped he will be able to take a full part in training by this weekend.

Meade will have to undergo a fitness test but his availability would be a major boost after the experience he has gained from being part of Cork’s Munster senior winning campaign.

Corner-back Sean O’Donoghue who went off at half-time of the semi-final with a dead leg has returned to training ahead of the meeting with Limerick.

Sean OÕDonoghue wins the ball in the air Sean O'Donoghue rises high against Waterford. Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

 

There is a concern over wing-back Billy Hennessy, who has a shoulder and neck injury, but Cork are hoping that he can return to training this weekend.

Billy Hennessy Cork U21 defender Billy Hennessy Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

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