Ryan dropped from Limerick team v Tipp

Last year's Limerick captain, TJ Ryan, has been dropped from Padjoe Whelahan's side to face Tipperary in Sunday's National Hurling League clash at the Gaelic Grounds.

Ryan, who lined out in the heart of Limerick's defence during the heavy defeat to Cork last weekend, is believed to be taking a break to work on his fitness over the next month.

There are wholesale changes in the half-back line, with Mark Foley returning from injury and Michael Clifford replacing Peter Lawlor, who broke his jaw last weekend.

Patrickswell's Paul O'Grady takes over from Pat Tobin at midfield, while James O'Brien is at full-forward with John Paul Sheahan dropping to the bench.

LIMERICK (SH v Tipperary): J Cahill; D Reale, B Geary, M Cahill; M Clifford, O Moran, M Foley; D O'Grady, P O'Grady; D Ryan, P Cahill, N Moran, A O'Shaughnessy, J O'Brien, M Keane.