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Counihan sticks to winning formula


Cork boss Conor Counihan has backed his conquerors of Kerry to do likewise to Clare in Sunday's Munster SFC final.

Counihan has named an unchanged team for the provincial showdown, with Nicholas Murphy this time positioned at top of the left.

However, the Rebels are well known for their interchangeable attacking options and Murphy may end up partnering Alan O'Connor in midfield as he did against Kerry with Aidan Walsh pushed into attack.

The 34-year-old Murphy has adapted to being moved in to the edge of the square, with his 6ft 5in stature giving Counihan's men a considerable target to aim for.

"It's a different role but you're happy enough to be on the team, no matter where you're playing," Murphy said in the build-up to the final.

"With the square ball rule, there are a lot of teams looking at that scenario, that's the way it's going to be.

"They're going to use different options, Aidan Walsh was being tried there during the league but with Pearse (O'Neill) and Fintan (Goold) being injured for the Kerry game I got my opportunity.

"If you can do a job, better again, but there's a good panel there and there's no guarantee of being in there the next day."

Cork, who were last Munster champions in 2009, are gunning for their 37th provincial title. They reached this weekend's decider by overcoming Kerry by 0-17 to 0-12 with Donncha O'Connor (0-6) and Colm O'Neill (0-5) pointing them to victory.

CORK (SFC v Clare): Alan Quirke; Ray Carey, Michael Shields, Eoin Cadogan; Paudie Kissane, Graham Canty, Noel O'Leary; Alan O'Connor, Aidan Walsh; Ciaran Sheehan, Patrick Kelly, Paul Kerrigan; Colm O'Neill, Donncha O'Connor Nicholas Murphy.


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