Shannonsiders name three debutants for clash with Rebels

LIMERICK introduce three championship newcomers for Sunday’s Munster semi-final clash with champions Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.

Michael Cahill, Michael McKenna and John Paul Sheehan have been given their call-up papers in what is certain to be a tough baptism of fire.

Cahill, from Croom, is named at left corner-back. McKenna, a native of Doon, has been selected at left half-forward, while Tournafulla's John Paul Sheehan has been nominated to lead the Limerick attack. For the first time in almost a quarter of a century there is no Patrickswell representative on the team, even though they are the reigning county champions.

At the start of the season Ciaran Carey was appointed captain but following his withdrawal the captaincy now reverts to full-back T.J. Ryan.

The famous Ahane club have the biggest representation on the Limerick team with Ollie Moran at right half-back, Clem Smith in midfield, Niall Moran at right half-forward and Seánie O'Connor on the forty.

Albert Shanahan has been given the vote over John Cahill for the goalkeeping position. Cahill played in a number of league games but lacks Shanahan's experience.

Limerick had their final training session last night and the mood in the Shannonsiders' camp is reported to be sky-high.

Meanwhile, Offaly have been forced to make four changes on their side to meet Laois in the Leinster championship in Tullamore on Saturday evening with Brian Whelahan, Rory Hanniffy and Barry Teehan all ruled out by injury.

When the sides last met in the final round of the Allianz NHL, Laois prevailed by 2-13 to 2-12 a one point defeat that saw Offaly relegated.

Kevin Brady, younger brother of full-forward Joe, will take over at centre half-back from Brian Whelahan, who is out with a broken thumb. This will be the Coolderry club man's first senior championship game. Other changes see David Franks, Colm Cassidy and Brendan Murphy recalled in place of Billy Buckley, Conor Gath and Simon Whelahan.

David Cuddy returns to the Laois team at midfield and Robert Jones drops down to the substitutes' bench.

Cuddy was under suspension for the last game against Meath, which Laois won easily.

In football, Carlow manager Luke Dempsey has kept faith with the team which finished against Longford in round one, for Sunday's Leinster second round clash with Laois in Dr Cullen Park.

LIMERICK (SH v Cork): A. Shanahan; D. Reale, T.J. Ryan, M. Cahill; O. Moran, B. Geary, M. Foley; C. Smith, P. Lawlor; N. Moran, S. O'Connor, M. McKenna; A. O'Shaughnessy, J.P. Sheehan, D. Sheahan.

OFFALY (SH v Laois): B. Mullins; M. O'Hara, G. Oakley, D. Franks; N. Claffey, K. Brady, C. Cassidy; M. Cordial, Barry Whelahan; N. Coughlan, G. Hanniffy, B. Murphy; B. Carroll, J. Brady, D. Murray.

LAOIS (SH v Offaly): K. Galvin; Phil Cuddy, Pat Cuddy, M. McEvoy; J. Fitzpatrick, Paul Cuddy, R. Conroy; D. Cuddy, D. Rooney; C. Coonan, J. Young, J. Walsh; T. Fitzgerald, L. Tynan, D. Culliton.

CARLOW (SF v Laois): J. Clarke; B. Farrell, S. O'Brien, C. McCarthy; B. English, J. Hayden, J. Byrne; T. Walsh, W. Power; S. Kavanagh, J. Nevin, M. Carpenter; S. Rea, P. Hickey, B. Carbery.