Wee men set for big day out

Louth's hurlers will bridge a 24-year gap when they step out onto the hallowed turf of Croke Park for Sunday's Nicky Rackard Cup final.

The "Wee men", coached by Kevin McDonnell, Paul Callan and Seamus Moore, will gun for glory in the third-tier competition, having not lined out at GAA HQ since 1981.

They have been boosted by the selection of top scorer David Dunne (4-3) in their side, which was confirmed last night, although the Reds' full-forward is still doubtful with a groin injury.

Alan Mynes has also been pencilled in to start at full-back. The talented defender received a three-month suspension in February, but played during the ban and was facing a 12-month suspension.

Nonetheless, that threat has been duly lifted.

Division 3B's Louth have hit an impressive 12-61 in their four-game run to the final, but with opponents London favoured to win as a Division 2B outfit, the sharpshooting Reds are likely to be up against it.

LOUTH (SH v London): S Smith; S Black, A Mynes, S D'Arcy; R Byrne, P Dunne, S Mulholland; S McCarthy, S Callan; T Hilliard, D Byrne, J Carter; N McEneaney, D Dunne, G Smith.