Waterford make changes

The Waterford management have made three changes in personnel, as well as a number of positional switches, for tonight’s Electric Ireland Munster MHC semi-final play-off with Clare at Fraher Field in Dungarvan (throw-in 7pm).

Following last Thursday’s six-point defeat by Tipperary at Walsh Park, Tramore’s Brian Whelan comes into the side at left corner-back instead of Cian Leamy, while forwards Cormac Curran and Conor Gleeson – who came on as subs last week – are named to start, with captain Kevin Daly and DJ Foran losing out. Patrick Curran (pictured) is again key to Waterford’s chances.

Daly played at right half-back last week, with Tom Devine moving from midfield to start there, while Shane Bennett goes from right half-forward to left half-back. Michael Harney, who was at number 7, now partners Mark O’Brien at midfield and Curran is at 10. Gleeson is a direct replacement for Foran at full-forward with the rest of the attack unchanged.

Clare will not finalise their starting 15 until shortly before throw-in as there are questions regarding the fitness of star attacker Bobby Duggan, who scored 2-8 in the four-point defeat by Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn last Thursday.

Should Duggan be unable to start, Clare are hopeful Alex Morey – who was not fully fit last week but came off the bench – will be available.

Tonight is a crucial game for both sides with the winner set to face Cork in the Munster semi-final in June.

Verdict: Waterford

WATERFORD: S Clancy (Clonea); W Hahessy (Clonea), S O’Neill (Erin’s Own), B Whelan (Tramore); T Devine (Modeligo), A Gleeson (Mount Sion), S Bennett (Ballysaggart); M Harney (Bonmahon), M O’Brien (Ferrybank); C Curran (Brickey Rangers), C Roche (Shamrocks), A Farrell (De La Salle); P Curran (Dungarvan), C Gleeson (Fourmilewater), M Kearney (Ballyduff Upper).