Browne’s return gives Waterford a huge morale boost

THE return of star defender Tony Browne gives Waterford a massive lift for Sunday’s Munster Hurling final against Cork in Thurles.

Browne, back after being injured for the semi-final against Tipp, comes in at wing back to the exclusion of his replacement that day, Brian Wall.

Browne’s introduction - the only change in personnel - is a great morale boost but Wall is unlucky after his marvellous debut against Tipp.

Browne was very impressive in a challenge game against the county Under 21s last weekend and had no reaction from the hamstring injury which forced him out of the semi-final.

It was odds on then that he would be recalled to line up alongside Ken McGrath and Brian Phelan in a half back sector which many in the Decies will be expecting to provide the platform for victory.

There was speculation that with Sarsfields in Cork, might be recalled, but Justin McCarthy and his selectors have stuck with Ardmore’s Declan Prendergast who did well in the semi-final.

Good news too concerning corner back Eoin Murphy who had been carrying an injury and didn’t involve himself in any hurling last weekend. However the Shamrocks clubman has been given the all clear to resume.

There are a number of positional changes, including the placing of Eoin McGrath at midfield alongside the bang in form Dave Bennett. That releases former Allstar Eoin Kelly for right half forward with Dan Shanahan moving to the forty and Michael Walsh switching from there to the left wing.

John Mullane and Seamas Prendergast are named in their regular corner and full forward positions respectively, with Paul Flynn moving from left half to left full, his favourite position.

Flynn has been through a very lean spell and was substituted against Clare and Tipp. However, he has shown a return to something approaching his best form in training.

There’s plenty of strength in depth in the panel too, with Feeney, the goal scoring semi-final hero Paul O’Brien, and Andy Moloney, Brian Wall, Shane O’Sullivan, and Jack Kennedy who have all sampled championship hurling, ready to answer the call.