Waterford boosted by Flynn’s return

PAUL FLYNN returns to the Waterford team for Sunday’s Munster SHC semi-final showdown with Cork at Semple Stadium.

Star forward Flynn missed the League final victory over Kilkenny due to a long-term groin injury but is now reported to be fully recovered and takes over the full-forward berth from Shane Walsh. This marks the only change from the side that brought National honours back to Suirside for the first time since 1963.

Stephen O’Neill has been ruled out of the Tyrone team for Sunday’s Ulster SFC final against Donegal at Clones.

O’Neill, who picked up a knee injury after recovering from hamstring problems, is one of a host of attackers who will miss the Clones eliminator.

The former ‘Footballer of the Year’ is listed among the subs, but a knee injury means Gerard Cavlan will play no part.

Manager Mickey Harte has called up the fit-again Owen Mulligan. Mulligan was unable to start the first round win over Fermanagh, but did come on as a substitute.

In the absence of Tommy McGuigan and Niall Gormley, there are returns to the half forward line for fit-again Raymond Mulgrew and Enda McGinley.

Meanwhile Donegal’s Christy Toye is believed to be doubtful for the showdown because of chickenpox.

Michael Hegarty is also a major doubt having missed a couple of weeks training after undergoing a minor knee operation.

However, Ciaran Bonner has recovered well from having his tonsils removed and should be in contention to start.

Brendan Devenney didn’t start for Donegal against Armagh and he is an obvious replacement to come into the team, which is due to be named today, if Hegarty or Toye are ruled out.

Kevin McMenamin is another Donegal forward pushing hard for a starting role.

Louth have named the same team that defeated Wicklow after a three-match saga for their Leinster SFC quarter final clash with Wexford at Croke Park on Sunday.

Eamon O’Hara has been passed fit to play following a recent groin injury and has been included at left half forward on the Sligo team to meet Roscommon in the semi final of the Connacht SFC at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.

Although free of any injury worries Meath have decided to keep their team to play Dublin in the Leinster SFC quarter final replay at Croke Oark on Sunday under wraps until today.

WATERFORD (SHC): C. Hennessy; E. Murphy, D. Prendergast, J. Murray; T. Browne, K. McGrath, A. Kearney; M. Walsh, S. Molumphy; D. Shanahan, S. Prendergast, E. Kelly; J. Kennedy, P. Flynn, J. Mullane.

TYRONE (SFC v Donegal): J. Devine, R. McMenamin, C. McGinley, D Carlin; D. Harte, C. Gormley, P. Jordan; K. Hughes, S. Cavanagh; B. Dooher, R. Mulgrew, E. McGinley; C. McCullagh, C. Cavanagh, O. Mulligan.

LOUTH (SFC v Wexford): S. Reynolds; A. Page, J. Carr, C. Coff; D. Finnegan, P. McGinnity, R. Finnegan; P. Keenan, R. Carroll; J. O’Brien, M. Farrelly, M. Standfield; A. Hoey, M. Brennan, J. P. Rooney.

SLIGO (SFC v Roscommon): P. Greene; C. Harrisson, N. McGuire, R. Donovan; P. McGovern, M. McNamara, J. Davey; S. Davey, C. Quinn; B. Curran, M. Breheny, E. O’Hara; D. Kelly, P. Gallagher, A. Marren.

KERRY (SHC Christy Ring Cup v Mayo): J. Healy (Ballyheigue); T. Cronin (Crotta O’Neills), R. O’Connor (Ballyduff), A. Keane (Crotta O’Neills); J. Griffin (Lixnaw), A. Healy (Abbeydorney), C. Harris (Kilmoyley); L. Boyle (Ballyduff), J. Casey (Ballyheigue); B. Brick (Kilmoyley), S. Brick (Kilmoyley), J. Egan (St. Brendans); A. Dineen (St. Brendans), JM Dooley (Causeway), B. O’Sullivan (Ballyduff).

DONEGAL (U21 v Armagh): G. Grindle; C. McLoughlin, M. Patton, P. McGovern; J. McInaw, J. Boyle, B. Harrigan; D. Cullen, C. Kilgallon; D. McGowan, K. Campbell, S. McVeigh; L. Henderson, B. McGee, S. Maxwell.