Tipperary footballers welcome back Ireland International Rules player Ciarán McDonald after a hip injury prevented him from playing any part in the county’s league campaign. He lines out at full back on the side to take on Waterford in Thurles on Sunday.
There are also two debutants, as manager Peter Creedon gives a start to goalkeeper Evan Comerford (making him the third of this year’s under-21 All-Ireland finalists along with Colin O’Riordan and Steven O’Brien, to line out) and Séamus Kennedy.
Tipperary haven’t been beaten in championship by Waterford since this month 27 years ago.
Liam Lawlor has been named in the Waterford footballers’ line-up. He was full back with the county hurlers in recent seasons but was one of a number of senior players let go at the start of the year.
He starts at centre back this weekend. Manager Tom McGlinchey also includes two debutants, goalkeeper Seán Barron and centrefielder Michael O’Halloran.
The Dublin and Galway hurlers are expected to name their sides this evening for Sunday’s Leinster quarter-final in Croke Park.
Dublin will be missing Niall McMorrow, who has a thumb injury but Anthony Cunningham will have a full pick for Galway, who have only beaten Laois in the province since winning an historic first provincial title in 2012.
Laois hope that last-ditch talks with Séamus Plunkett, who yesterday announced his resignation as senior hurling manager, might persuade the Portlaoise man to change his mind. In the meantime the team coach Ger Cunningham, formerly with Newtownshandrum and Limerick, has been appointed interim manager.
Lisdowney hurling club in Kilkenny are holding a fund-raising match on Saturday evening at 6.30 between a club selection and a Kilkenny team featuring such well-known names as DJ Carey, Derek Lyng, David Herity, PJ Ryan, Michael Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, Tommy Walsh and Brian Hogan. Lisdowney will be joined by amongst others Brendan Cummins, Doc O’Connor, Tony Browne, Eoin Kelly, Eoin McGrath, Keith Rossiter, Rory Hanniffy, Damien Hayes, Tony Óg Regan, Eoin McGrath and Martin Storey. Admission is €10 per person
