Comerford gone from Tipp 21 panel

Goalkeeper Evan Comerford is no longer a member of Tipperary’s U21 football panel, days before an eagerly-awaited Munster final showdown with Cork at Semple Stadium.

News that Comerford will not start between the posts for the Premier County emerged over the weekend.

It is understood that a clash between Comerford’s soccer and Gaelic Football commitments may be at the heart of the matter.

Comerford, a 2011 All-Ireland minor medallist, was not present Friday night when Tipperary boss David Power put his players through their paces ahead of the Cork tie on Wednesday evening.

Cashel’s Gearoid Slattery will replace Comerford, who plays soccer with Clonmel Town, when Tipp go in search of a second U21 title in four seasons.

Slattery was first choice goalkeeper at the start of the historic minor campaign in 2011 before Comerford broke into the team for the All-Ireland semi-final and final.

Meanwhile, Power is sweating on the fitness of Michael Quinlivan, a Clonmel Commercials clubmate of Comerford’s. Quinlivan, another 2011 All-Ireland minor medallist in Power’s squad, limped out of Tipperary’s league defeat to Offaly with a knee injury yesterday.