Irish Examiner
by Brendan Larkin
12th March 2003

National Hurling League
Cork V Derry
Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 16th March 2003

Mike and Paul Morrissey make their league debuts this year for Cork against derry at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday.

Unbeaten Cork, who play host to bottom-of-the-table Derry, have made a number of changes from the side that defeated Wexford last Sunday.

Paul Morrissey of Newtownshandrum is being given a run in goal in place of Donal Óg Cusack.

Alan Cummins, who damaged shoulder ligaments in a pre-season challenge game, is selected at right half-back, with young Na Piarsaigh and CIT player John Gardiner getting a deserved rest.

In the enforced absence of the injured Derek Barrett, Carrigtwohill’s Jason Barrett gets his call-up as midfield partner to Mickey O’Connell.

With Timmy McCarthy ruled out with a hip injury, Newtown’s Mike Morrissey is given his opportunity at centre-forward.

Joe Deane, struggling to overcome the effects of a long-term groin injury, has also been given a break. Team captain Alan Browne reverts to full-forward with Seanie McGrath lining out at top of the left.

CORK (SH v Derry): P. Morrissey; W. Sherlock, P. Mulachy, B. Murphy; A. Cummins, R. Curran, S. og O’H-Ailpin; M. O’Connell, J. Barrett; N. McCarthy, M. Morrisey, E. Fitzgerald; B. O’Connor, A. Browne, S. McGrath.