Kilkenny surprise as Mullally replaces Phelan for semi-final

PADDY MULLALLY is a surprise choice at midfield for champions Kilkenny in next Sunday’s Guinness All-Ireland hurling semi-final against Tipperary in Croke Park.

The naming of Mullally instead of Conor Phelan represents the only change in personnel from the side which comprehensively defeated Wexford in the Leinster final in July.

Paddy is a brother of wing-back Richie Mullally, who missed the two games in Leinster after breaking a bone in his ankle in a game for his club Glenmore. He is also a former captain of the Kilkenny football team.