The returning David Moran is one of five changes to the Kerry side for today’s McGrath Cup final clash with Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds (3pm).

Across the country rural towns and villages have suffered the loss of services, infrastructure, and population, but one thing that is not in decline is community spirit. In the first of a five-part series, we visit Tournafulla, Co Limerick, and see unwavering local determination to keep the village on the map.

A bunch of green balloons were released into the sky as a community, "bereft of words", laid to rest one of its youngest, two-year-old David Roche, who died last Sunday.

Limerick begin the defence of their Munster MHC title at the Gaelic Grounds tonight (7pm) against Tipperary, the county they beat in last year’s semi-final (1-17 to 0-17) en-route to claiming a first minor provincial crown since 1984.

A priest whose parish straddles the Clare/Limerick border admitted yesterday he will be “storming the heavens” at Sunday Mass tomorrow for the Limerick hurlers, even though most of his flock will be cheering on the Banner in Croke Park when the counties clash in the All Ireland senior hurling semi-final. The winners will face Cork.

Seamus Horgan (24, 5’11’’, 11-7 Tournafulla): “Like a lot of goalkeepers Seamus was also a very good outfield player but ended up in goals because he could be a bit wild out there!

A changing of the guard is imminent for Clare and Limerick over the next eight days with the chairman of each county calling it a day.

KILMALLOCK held off a late Garryspillane fightback to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Limerick senior hurling championship.

Talented Limerick forward James O'Brien has decided to focus on the club scene for 2008 and has withdrawn from the Limerick senior hurling squad ahead of next year's league campaign.

THE Limerick team to play Clare in the ESB Munster MHC semi-final qualifier in Cusack Park tonight (6.30pm), shows six changes from the team trounced by Cork in the first round.

HOLDERS Cork will field seven of the squad which trounced Limerick in last year’s provincial final in tomorrow night’s opening round of the ESB Munster Minor Hurling Championship at the Gaelic Grounds (6.30).

LIMERICK’S Brian Begley is back in light training after undergoing the operation aimed at resurrecting his injury ravaged career.

Ballylanders 0-9 Monaleen 0-7

THIRTEEN-MAN Drom-Broadford and St Senan’s booked their places in the Limerick SFC semi-finals with victories over Mungret and Fr Casey’s at the weekend.

Michael Ellard

Today's glamour clash in Division 1B features the visit of Limerick to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to take on the might of All-Ireland champions Cork.

Former Limerick captain Mark Foley is a late withdrawal from the team to face Cork in the National League on Sunday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

CAVAN manager Eamon Coleman has given a vote of confidence to the team which drew with Down in the opening round of the Ulster championship for Sunday’s replay in Kingspan Breffni Park.

A LEADING GAA official has warned there can be no repeat of the infamous “Martin Johnson snub”, if Croke Park is opened up to other sports.