McGrath to face Tipperary

TEENAGER Ken McGrath, son of former county player Pat, is the only debutante on the Waterford team which meets National League finalists Tipperary in the Munster senior hurling championship quarter final at Walsh Park on Sunday.

The 17 year old Mount Sion attacker has been handed the number 12 jersey on a team which shows just three changes from the one heavily defeated by Tipperary last year.

Indeed, all three changes take place in attack where McGrath is joined on the half forward line by Peter Qucally, who actually made an appearance as a substitute in last year's 4-23 to 1-11 defeat, and Jimmy Beresford, who is recalled at full forward after a two years absence from the side.

Otherwise, the selectors have kept faith with 12 of the side that struggled to compete with the same opposition 12 months ago, believing the extra year has benefited them. The side features seven players who won All Ireland under 21 medals in 1992.

Tipperary, meanwhile, were accorded the courtesy of a training session at Walsh Park last Saturday, but have delayed selection until later in the week to assess injuries to Pat Fox, Aidan Ryan, Tommy Dunne and Conal Bonnar. It is anticipated all will be available to the selectors, however.

While Limerick basked in the glory of ending Cork's 73 years unbeaten championship run on home territory, there was also bad news to dilute the good tidings.

Corner forward Damien Quigley sustained a broken thumb in the match and is doubtful for the Munster semi final encounter with All Ireland champions Clare at The Gaelic Grounds on June 16th.

It is expected that the Limerick Clare semi final will be made all ticket. A decision will be made at tonight's meeting of the Munster Council.

Meanwhile, National Football League champions Derry will be without half forwards Gary McGill and Dermot McNicholl for their Ulster Senior Football Championship clash with Armagh at Celtic Park on Sunday.

McGill has a fractured bone in his foot while McNicholl's hand is still in plaster. Full back David O'Neill, who missed the league final win over Donegal because of a virus, has struggled to shrug off its effects and is still unavailable.

However, defender Dermot Heaney has recovered from injury, which gives the Derry selectors an option for the full back berth should they wish to utilise Gary Coleman elsewhere.