THE vacuum created this weekend by the new format for the National Hurling League will be noted with pleasure by most and rued by some.
The Oireachtais tournament series has been chosen to fill the void this weekend, but could hardly be viewed as a satisfactory substitute for managers keen on getting back into more realistic competition, particularly since Wexford, originally listed to play Waterford, have now made it clear that they did not enter.
Cork appear to be ant of the few listed to action this weekend that can feel reasonably assured of a decent match. Dublin, under new manager Michael O Grady are their guests at Pairc Ui Rinn today (3.30) in what should be the best of the seven matches remaining in a tournament that has been disrupted by club commitments.
Cork manager Jimmy Barry Murphy introduces a newcomer to attack in Colm Duffy. Brian Corcoran returns to full back and John O'Driscoll moves to the left corner of defence, where he could be fully tested by Dublin's Eamonn Morrissey. Dublin sharp shooters Connie Ring and Brian McMahon have been recalled.
Offaly and Down start their match at 2.30 tomorrow. The Offaly team is barely recognisable. Daithi Regan, the attack leader, is surrounded by eager beaver players who are effectively on trial.
Limerick's team to take on Meath in Kilmallock is an entirely experimental one due to the county semi-finals at the Gaelic Grounds.
Kilkenny followers are given the opportunity of taking in the Oireachtais clash with Wicklow, fixed for a 12.30 start at John's Park, and county final replay in Nowlan Park at 3.30. DJ Carey has a good chance of winning his first senior county medal as he tries to stoke up a worthy Young Irelands performance against James Stephens. However, Pat O'Neill remains a doubtful starter for Young Irelands because of a heel injury.
Cyril Farrell, guiding Galway's hurling fortunes again, will have only tour of the team that lost to Wexford in the All Ireland semi final for their match against Laois at Ballinasloe.
Conor Donovan, Nigel Shaughnessy, Liam Burke and Kevin Broderick are the only established players to line out for Galway. Sarsfields, Tourloughmore and Gort have important championship matches.
Farrell makes use of the situation to give call ups to five members of Galway's All Ireland under-21 championship team. Left wing defenders Liam and Michael Healy along with midfielder Gordon Glynn and forwards Donal Moran and Vinnie Maher are promoted. Minors Nigel Murray and Rory Gantley are also at fine performances during the summer.
The signs are that Babs Keating's side will also have an unfamiliar form. Laois will have to field without Cyril Duggan and Bill Maher, and the Camross players are being rested ahead of their Leinster club championship commitment next weekend.
Carlow and Longford name depleted sides for today's All Ireland senior B football championship semi-final in Tullamore. Carlow will go into battle without their Eire Og players, who have a clash with Westmeath champions Coralstown-Kinnegad tomorrow. Long ford will field without players from the Father Manning Gaels club who play Kildare's Round Towers in the club championship in Longford tomorrow.
