THE Derry County Board has branded comments made by Joe Brolly about an U21 footballer as “harmful and unmerited”.

Galway defender Conor Dervan is in line for his first start for the Tribesmen's senior hurlers since the 2008 Championship, after being named as one of two changes to the side to face Tipperary at Semple Stadium this Sunday (2.30pm)

CAPTAIN Shane Kavanagh claimed the Walsh Cup for the first time on Galway’s behalf and then declared the Tribesmen want to stay in Leinster permanently.

Former captain David Collins is set to return for the Galway hurlers in Sunday's Walsh Cup final against Dublin (Parnell Park, throw-in 12.45pm), over two years after his last appearance for the Tribesmen.

GALWAY hurling boss John McIntyre has wielded the axe and drafted nine players into his squad for next season.

THERE was a controversial finish to the second of the Galway SHC semi-finals at Kenny Park, Athenry, with referee Christy Helebert requiring a Garda escort at the end of a heated encounter.