It’s probably a good thing that new Dublin hurling boss Pat Gilroy was in Boston and missed county champions Cuala’s latest outing.

MIKE FRANK RUSSELL has opted out of Kerry’s Championship plans for the rest of the season, all but bringing to an end an inter-county career which produced five All-Ireland senior medals with the Kingdom.

RITCHIE HOGAN comes into the Kilkenny team at right half forward for tomorrow’s Allianz NHL final against Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

FERMANAGH manager Malachy O’Rourke has kept faith with the side that defeated Monaghan for Saturday’s Ulster SFC semi-final against Derry at Healy Park, Omagh (6pm).