Kilkenny surprise as Mullally replaces Phelan for semi-final
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.
His only previous championship hurling experience was in 1999, when he was a late choice at left half-back after Peter Barry was injured.
Subsequently, he went off the panel after being injured himself.
His selection ahead of Phelan is attributed to the form he has displayed with Glenmore at midfield in the current county championship.
As expected, DJ Carey and Henry Shefflin have reported fully fit after recent injuries, and are named in their usual positions of centre-forward and right corner-forward respectively.
Carey is also the team captain, following the controversial withdrawal of Charlie Carter earlier in the campaign.
Meanwhile, last year's captain Andy Comerford has fought his way back into contention after having been sidelined by a hamstring injury. The current expectation is that he will play some part in Sunday's game.
The Wexford selectors have gone down the same route as Cork by giving a vote of confidence to the team that started the epic drawn game for next Saturday's Guinness All-Ireland SHC semi-final replay at Croke Park.
Right corner-back Dave Guiney, who had to have a number of stitches to a cut on his forehead after the thrilling drawn encounter, was passed fit to play last night.
As a result, manager John Conran stuck by the side that gave Cork a real roller-coaster of a ride.
Both full-back Darragh Ryan and right half-forward Adrian Fenlon who missed the quarter-final victory over Antrim came back with a bang last Sunday, fully justifying their respective retentions.
lMeanwhile, the Cork County Board has received assurances from the Gardaí that there will be no repeat of the traffic chaos which ensued after last week's Guinness SHC semi-final.
Thousands of Cork and Wexford fans were forced to endure huge tailbacks and lengthy delays when returning from Sunday's game.
Gardaí said that the problems were due to the huge crowds in the aftermath of the Horse Show at the RDS and the Robbie Williams concert
No such traffic conditions are expected on Saturday, the Gardaí said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
