Fixture delay works to Stafford's advantage

Wexford midfielder Rory Stafford is ready to start Sunday's Leinster football semi-final - thanks to the two-week delay brought on by the substitution controversy involving their opponents Offaly.

Stafford looked certain to miss the game after sustaining a calf-muscle tear in the quarter-final win over Meath, but the extended hiatus between games - while not ideal for team preparations - has partly worked to Wexford's advantage.

Wexford manager Paul Bealin explained: "Rory definitely wouldn't have made it had we played two weeks ago, or even last Sunday. But he is available for selection now, so the delay has definitely been a great opportunity for him.

"We'll finalise our team after training on Thursday evening, though we probably won't be making too many changes. The only downside is that Nicky Lambert went over on his ankle last week and is probably out again."

Despite the delay, Bealin said he shouldn't have too many problems raising his team: "It hasn't been easy trying to hold the guys back, while keeping the training upbeat and keeping them interested as well. But at least we always knew we were in a Leinster semi-final, unlike Offaly, who weren't really sure what game they'd be playing next."

The Wexford hurlers, who face Kilkenny in Croke Park on Sunday in the Leinster final, won't finalise their team until Friday.

Manager Séamus Murphy has a few concerns, including forward Dessie Mythen, still carrying an ankle injury. Paul Codd is hampered by a calf strain.

Rory Jacob has a slight problem with a heel but is expected to play.

Darragh Ryan's injured knee has significantly improved, though Murphy has ruled the former full back out of a starting role.

Defender Ollie Moran will miss Limerick's hurling qualifier with Offaly on Saturday and their remaining game against Dublin because of a knee injury.

Tyrone captain Brian Dooher could be sidelined for as long as a year. Dooher underwent surgery earlier this week to repair a fractured kneecap.

Stephen O'Neill remains a doubt for Tyrone's second-round qualifier against Laois on Saturday week, though his hamstring problem could still ease enough to give him a chance of playing. Colin Holmes is doubtful with a knee injury. Conor Gormley has recovered from concussion, while Kevin Hughes will be back from suspension.

The Ulster Council have confirmed a 2.15pm start to the Ulster football final between Armagh and Donegal on at Croke park on Sunday week.

Limerick football manager Mikey Ned O'Sullivan has made several changes for the visit to Westmeath this weekend. In come Timmy Carroll, John Cooke, Darren Horan and captain Muiris Gavin.

LIMERICK: (SF v Westmeath): Kiely; S Gallagher, J McCarthy, P Browne; A Lane, S Lavin C Mullane; J Galvin, T Carroll; J Cooke, D Horan, S Buckley, M Crowley, M Gavin, M Reidy.

This week's fixtures

WEDNESDAY

Munster MC semi-final: Kerry v Limerick, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 7.0, M Condon (Waterford). Munster JFC final: Kerry v Cork, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 8.30, R Hickey (Clare).

THURSDAY

Munster MFC semi-final: Cork v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 8.0, R Hickey (Clare).

SATURDAY

All-Ireland SFC qualifiers, second round (extra-time if necessary): Westmeath v Limerick, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 5.0, P McGovern (Galway). Kildare v Derry, Celtic Park, 6.0, M Daly (Mayo). Meath v Roscommon, Páirc Tailteann, 7.0, P McEnaney (Monaghan). Longford v Tipperary, Pearse Park, 7.0, P Hughes (Armagh). All-Ireland SHC qualifiers, second round: Dublin v Clare, Parnell Park, 6.0, T McIntyre (Antrim). Westmeath v Laois, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 7.0, J O'Mahony (Limerick). Offaly v Limerick, Tullamore, 7.30, M Haverty (Galway). All-Ireland Minor B HC, quarter-finals: Kildare v Meath, Clane, 3.30, M Butler (Dublin). Westmeath, Wicklow: byes. All-Ireland Under-16 B HC, first round: Kerry v Mayo, Cusack Park, Ennis, 3.30, J Healy (Clare).

SUNDAY

All-Ireland SHC qualifiers, second round: Waterford v Galway, Walsh Park, 2.0, S McMahon (Clare). Leinster SHC final: Kilkenny v Wexford, Croke Park, 4.0, D Kirwan (Cork), Live RTÉ. Leinster SFC semi-final: Wexford v Offaly, Croke Park, 2.10, J White (Donegal). Leinster MHC final: Carlow v Kilkenny, Croke Park, 12.30, J Owens (Wexford).