O'Meara returns to Dublin ranks

Ger O'Meara has been included in the Dublin starting XV for Saturday night's All-Ireland SHC qualifier against Offaly (Parnell Park, throw-in 7pm).

The O'Toole's clubman, who opted out of the hurling panel following his promotion to Paul Caffrey's football squad earlier this season, returns to the line-up for the Group B tie.

Dubs boss Tommy Naughton has made five changes to the side that lost the Leinster SHC quarter-final clash with Westmeath last month.

There has been a vacancy left at midfield with regular centre-fielder John McCaffrey switching to right half-forward.

Injury has ruled out both centre back Ronan Fallon, who broke his finger in a recent challenge match against Antrim, and corner-forward Keith Dunne.

Apart from O'Meara, the new starters include Derek O'Reilly, John Kelly and Alan McCrabbe.

Team captain Philip Brennan has recovered from a gashed knee to be named at right corner-back, while Under-21 star Peadar Carton, fit again after a collarbone injury, has given Naughton options on the bench.

Dublin will be meeting the Faithfuls for the second successive year in the All-Ireland qualifier series. Offaly won last year's game by 2-15 to 2-14 at Parnell Park.

DUBLIN (SHC v Offaly) - G Maguire; P Brennan (capt), K Ryan, T Brady; Derek O'Reilly, M Carton, G O'Meara; D Sweeney, AN Other; J McCaffrey, L Ryan, D Curtin; J Kelly, K Flynn, A McCrabbe.