Injured Keane given time

Limerick's chances of beating Kilkenny in the National Hurling League final on Sunday could rest largely on the shoulders of free-taker Mark Keane. The two-time All-Ireland under-21 winner hit 2-10 against Clare in last weekend's semi-final before hobbling off with a groin strain.

Manager Joe McKenna will announce his team tonight but will delay the final decision on Keane - who has "a 50 per cent chance of recovery" - until later in the week.

Donie Ryan has a sore hamstring and Donal O'Grady an injured finger, but neither is expected to be denied a run-out.

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will select from a full-strength panel, probably on Friday, for the game at Semple Stadium.

Noel Hickey had to leave the field after just 90 seconds of last weekend's semi-final victory over Tipperary. The full back received three stitches to a facial wound and resumed playing.

Richie Power was held in reserve on Sunday, replacing Willie O'Dwyer on 50 minutes, but the 2003 All-Ireland-winning minor captain is expected to start this time.

Martin Comerford looks to have cemented his place at centre forward, as does Henry Shefflin at full forward, so Power will probably play at wing forward alongside Eoin Larkin.

As for the iconic DJ Carey, he has yet to return even for his club, Young Irelands.

Laois and Cork return to the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick this Saturday for the All-Ireland under-21 football semi-final replay. The sides finished on 2-13 apiece last Saturday, with Laois manager Seán Dempsey damping down controversy by selecting three players he had thrown off the panel.

The two Colm Kellys and Donie Brennan, in particular, are footballers of vast potential and it was their promotion to Mick O'Dwyer's senior panel that moved Dempsey to drop them last week.

The football board convened to look into the crisis, and after meeting the players Dempsey reinstated them.

It proved a wise move as Brennan kicked 1-2 against Cork. The 19-year-old was an inspirational figure when this group won the All-Ireland minor title in 2003. He also stood out as a second-half replacement during last summer's Leinster senior football final defeat to Dublin.

"Because we won the All-Ireland (minor) three years ago it is natural that people from outside and within our own county are focusing on us to go on and win it again," said Dempsey, who has guided this crop of players since under-14.

"But not many teams have been able to win both a minor and under-21 All-Ireland title. We're looking to buck that trend."

Laois officials were hoping the game would be switched to Thurles as more support would have been inclined to travel.

Elsewhere, the Dublin senior footballers play Derry in a challenge match this Saturday against Derry at Round Towers, Lusk, GAA club.

Ray Cosgrove, Bernard Brogan and David Henry are expected to be given a run-out after decent displays for their clubs in the opening round of the county championship.