Tralee rue change of Cup venue

THE decision to transfer the Waterford Crystal Cup game between Tralee IT and Waterford out of Páirc Ui Rinn has disappointed the Tralee college as it adds another two hours to their journey.

“It’s not what we had planned for, we are not happy with the lack of notification of the fixture,” said club official Eamon Fitzgerald.

“While we have a lot of preparation done for the forthcoming Fitzgibbon Cup, this will be our first outing in this competition, so we have no how idea of how good we are.”

Tralee will field players from Limerick, Clare, Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Kerry all with plenty of hurling ability. Current Limerick senior James O’Brien, former Cork minor and U21 player Denis Crowley, Darragh O’Brien, who won an All-Ireland minor medal with Tipp in 2007, and Paddy Raftice (Kilkenny minor in 2006) will all be in the starting line up for Tralee. But it will take a massive effort to get the verdict.

Justin McCarthy will again be in experimental mood for tonight’s game in Carrick Beg (St Molleran’s grounds). Throw-in is 7pm.

“With a panel of 30 players, this tournament affords us the opportunity to give fringe players the chance to show what they can do,” said the Waterford coach.

“At the same time I’m keen to win the game which would give us at least one more before the commencement of the National League.

“Consequently regulars Eoin Kelly, John Mullane, Michael Walsh and Seamus Prendergast are likely to start. Because they didn’t play with their college in the first round, Shane O’Sullivan and Kevin Moran will also get a start,” he added.