Cork face huge test against Donegal

Cork play Donegal today at 3.30pm in a very eagerly anticipated All-Ireland semi-final clash in Croke Park, but will Conor Counihan’s men triumph?

Donegal have made remarkable progress in the last two years and will not fear Cork despite the hammering Cork gave them in Croke Park three years ago when they beat them 1-27 to 2-10. This is now a very different Donegal side.

Cork warmed up for their clash with an excellent display against Kildare in their quarter-final, while Donegal also had a great victory over our near neighbours Kerry. 

Despite a lengthy wait since their facile Munster final win against Clare, Cork showed little signs of rustiness as they raced into a big lead against Kildare. After being pegged back by Kieran McGeeney’s men, Cork went on to rout them early in the second half. It finished Cork 2-19 Kildare 0-12.

With strong performances from most of the starting team and some players off the bench, it must have been difficult for Counihan and his backroom staff to pick a starting 15.

The team they picked this week remains almost the same as the starting team against Donegal, but Ballincollig's Patrick Kelly comes into the side in place of Ciarán Sheehan in the half-forward line.

Cork are favourites for the All-Ireland this year and many players talked this week about the hurt they have felt since they suffered a shock loss to Mayo in the quarter-finals last year.

This Cork team has huge amounts of skill, strength and motivation so hopefully they will find a way to beat a very tough Donegal team! Corcaigh abú!

Cork team v Donegal: Alan Quirke, Ray Carey, Michael Shields, Eoin Cadogan, Paudie Kissane, Graham Canty, Noel O'Leary, Alan O'Connor, Aidan Walsh, Fintan Goold, Patrick Kelly, Paul Kerrigan, Colm O'Neill, Donncha O'Connor, Nicholas Murphy.