Devane starts for Under-21s

John Devane has been given a starting place on the Galway team that take on Dublin in Sunday's All-Ireland under-21 football final in Portlaoise. The 18-year-old, from the Milltown club, will play at centre forward as an indirect swap for David Hanley, whom he replaced at half-time in the semi-final win over Kerry last month.

Devane is the only change in personnel, though manager John O'Mahony has made several positional switches. Regular centre forward Matthew Clancy moves to right wing forward, and Damien Burke moves from right to left wing forward for Hanley.

Michael Comer is named at corner back, in a swap with Clive Monaghan, who goes to wing back. In the Kerry match Comer successfully pulled off the difficult assignment of marking Kerry's prolific corner forward Colm Cooper.

Devane's promotion was not unexpected after his significant impact on the semi-final as a substitute at a time when Kerry seemed to cutting down Galway's early advantage. He contributed two impressive points and fitted in well with a Galway half forward line inspired by Clancy's incisive runs.

He has also played a major role in helping Milltown reach the semi-finals of the Galway championship.

Devane was also part of the St Jarlath's, Tuam side that captured the All-Ireland Colleges title in April, scoring 1-1 on the day.

O'Mahony admitted yesterday that playing Dublin has helped his team's motivation. "Obviously they are delighted to be still involved in an All-Ireland final at this time of the year," he said.

"They have a huge incentive to win the title, and playing Dublin definitely adds to that. They are so well known and have had such a good year."

GALWAY (Under-21 football v Dublin): D Morris; M Comer, K Fitzgerald, R Murray; K Brady, D Blake, C Monaghan; J Bergin, K Comer; M Clancy, J Devane, D Burke; M Meehan, D O'Brien, N Joyce.