MUNSTER begin the defence of their Martin Donnelly Inter-provincial hurling championship this afternoon in Fermoy when they face Ulster (1.30pm), followed by the football semi-final between the same two provinces.

MUNSTER’S desire to win the Magners League will only be partially compromised by the decision to rest captain Paul O’Connell, John Hayes and Doug Howlett for the clash with Ulster at Ravenhill on Saturday.

Munster coach Alan Gaffney has decided to select right wing Martin McPhail against Ulster in Friday evening's Celtic League clash at Musgrave Park.