McCarthy casts net wide for squad

GERALD McCARTHY has avoided stirring any further controversy into the Cork hurling crisis by naming a full development squad for Sunday's anniversary challenge with St Colman's College - set to mark the Fermoy nursery's 150th anniversary.

With none of the existing squad making themselves available due to the continuing dispute with McCarthy and the county board over his reappointment as manager, McCarthy has assembled a 31-man panel which features players from 13 different clubs.

County champions Sarsfields are well represented, although the remainder are from further down the ranks. However, McCarthy is adamant the door is open to everyone as he starts to focus on the new season and January's Waterford Crystal tournament. "This is very much a case of opportunity knocking for all the players that have been selected," he said. "And they will be given every chance over the next couple of months and in the Waterford Crystal Tournament to stake their claims for inclusion further down the line."

The St Colman's selection is likely to include four of the senior panellists not willing to play under McCarthy - Neil Ronan, Timmy McCarthy, Brian Murphy and Ciarán McGann.

CORK (SH v St Colman's): Alan Kennedy (Sarsfields); Conor O'Sullivan (Sarsfields), Chris Murphy (Blackrock), Alwyn Kearney (Midleton); Joe Moran (Carrigaline), Steven White (Ballygarvan), Ger O'Driscoll (Newcestown); Barry Johnston (Bride Rovers), Glenn O'Connor (St Finbarr's); Darren Crowley (Bandon), Colin O'Leary (Blackrock), Cian McCarthy (Sars); Conor Dorris (Glen), Michael Collins (Bride Rovers), Tadhg Óg Murphy (Sars). Subs: C Cronin (Lisgoold), A Ryan (Midleton), P Barry (Midleton), G Norberg (Blackrock), B Aherne (Blackrock), E Keane (St Finbarr's), R O'Driscoll (Sars), M Collins (Douglas), P Honohan (Bishopstown), E Cronin (Glen Rovers), B Moylan (Glen Rovers ), R Ryan (Sars), S Corcoran (Carrigaline), W O'Brien (do), D O'Sullivan (Ballinascarthy), S Cotter (Catherine's).