O'Connor back in Clare's starting line-up

Jamesie O'Connor is back in the starting line-up for Clare's All Ireland hurling quarter-final replay with Galway at Croke Park next Monday.

The surprise inclusion of O'Connor at left half forward is one of three changes in personnel from the side that started last Sunday. All three newcomers came in as substitutes and played a big part as the side clawed its way back from a nine-point deficit.

PJ O'Connell will start at half forward in place of Enda Flannery, while Stephen McNamara starts in the right corner. In addition to Flannery, Fergal Hegarty and David Forde also lose out. It was against all expectations that O'Connor came into the action 11 minutes into the second half last Sunday, but even with the scars and stitches of his injury from the Tipperary replay still visible on his arm, his presence was significant.

The Clare forwards had looked less potent as a unit without O'Connor, although Forde seems unfortunate to lose his place.

Ger Loughnane made the unexpected decision to name his team early in the week to give the players a few days' rest and relaxation, although, as always, changes may be made. Clare's substitutes will not be selected until later in the week.

Meanwhile, Galway have a number of injury worries. Michael Healy, the full back replacement for Brian Feeney (taken off with a hamstring injury after just eight minutes), is definitely out of contention for the rest of the season as he has broken the upper bone in his arm. Peter Huban, who then played the last 30 minutes, may well start at full back.

The concussion suffered by Eugene Cloonan in the first half is the other major concern and it will take a few more days before his condition becomes clear. Manager Mattie Murphy, however, admitted himself that Rory Gantley proved more than a worthy replacement.

Offaly are also counting the cost of their quarter-final win over Antrim, though it's now known that neither Hubert Rigney's leg nor Kevin Martin's hand injuries are as bad as first reported and there is talk already that they may recover in time for their meeting with Cork on August 8th.