Maher makes long-awaited return to Tipp ranks

Tipperary hurler Philly Maher will make his keenly awaited return to the county's ranks against Clare in the second phase of the National League on Sunday.

Maher has been out of action since suffering an agonising cruciate injury last year against Kilkenny in the league final.

The hamstrung Eoin Kelly is replaced by Lar Corbett while there are recalls for experienced stars Brendan Cummins, Brian O'Meara and Eddie Enright.

Tipperary (SH v Clare): B Cummins; T Costello, P Maher, J Devane; E Corcoran, D Fanning, D Fitzgerald; E Enright, P Kelly; M O'Leary, J Carroll, B Dunne; P O'Brien, B O'Meara, L Corbett.