Stamp shock for Wexford

WEXFORD hurling has been rocked by the withdrawal of defender Darren Stamp. The 24-year-old Stamp, a regular in the side for the past three years, yesterday informed the management that he will no longer be available.

He becomes the fourth player to withdraw from the panel in recent times, joining Anthony O'Leary, sub goalkeeper Jim Morrissey and Robbie Codd, younger brother of Paul.

Their unexpected departures follow the retirements of Liam Dunne and Larry O'Gorman earlier this year. And to further compound the problems of team manager John Conran, star attacker Paul Codd is out of Sunday's clash with Offaly.

The agricultural contractor sustained a broken bone in his hand in last weekend's defeat to Limerick. Keith Rossiter and Tomás Mahon are still out with knee injuries.

On the plus side Declan Ruth is available following suspension after being sent off against Cork a month ago, while Adrian Fenlon is back in training and is likely to be included.

Conran won't announce his team until tomorrow night.

Offaly coach Mike McNamara is hopeful that the seven Birr players on his panel will be available. Birr are due to go on holidays on Saturday and according to PRO Pat Teehan, efforts are being made to try and fly their county players out after the match.

A definite non-starter is Niall Claffey, who had a number of stitches to a head wound following the Cork game last Sunday.

Laois coach Paudie Butler is likely to name an unchanged team for the visit to Galway after the O'Moore County thrashed Dublin last time out. The only worry is James Dunne who was substituted against the Dubs after sustaining a thigh strain.

Despite the fact that Clare need a point from Sunday's clash with Waterford in Cusack Park, manager Anthony Daly may not risk Brian Lohan.

The Wolfe Tones man has a serious hamstring injury, and though he is making steady progress, Daly won't take the chance unless Lohan himself is satisfied with his fitness.

Barry Murphy is another player who has missed the last two league games because of a similar injury, and is unlikely to be fit for the visit of Waterford.

The Clare team will be named after training tonight.

Limerick, who make the long journey to Casement Park on Sunday to play Antrim, are hoping that Brian Geary will play some part in the game.

According to team spokesman John Landers, the Monaleen player is recovering well from a hand injury he picked up in a club game.

"Brian would be a welcome addition if fully fit. He could get a run out on Sunday against Antrim.

"Niall Moran continues to be an absentee after picking up an ankle injury in a recent club game and it will be at least three weeks before he is fit to play.

"Peter Lawlor, who broke his hand in the league against Tipperary, is out for at least another five weeks," added Landers.