TOP-GUNS John Gardiner and Jerry O’Connor have been given starting places on the Cork team for next Sunday’s crunch Allianz Division One NHL clash with Tipperary at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

AN exhibition of point scoring by John Gardiner, plus two goals from local hero Michael Cussen, edged Cork to an exciting victory over Waterford in an entertaining challenge game to mark the official opening of the Sarsfields club’s new sand based pitch and flood-lighting system at Riverstown on Saturday night.

The Cork senior hurling selectors have rung the changes for Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier against Offaly at Tullamore.

BOTH Cork and Limerick have made one change apiece from the sides that triumphed over Kerry and Clare, respectively, in the Munster SFC semi-finals for Sunday’s provincial final clash at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

KILKENNY will be short ten of their All-Ireland winning squad for their opening Allianz NHL game against Galway at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

THEIR story should be the stuff of fairytale, a celebration of everything we have always held dear about the underdog since the time Goliath took one in the forehead from a lad with a slingshot.

Sarsfields 2-12 Na Piarsaigh 0-9