Banned Browne a big loss for Longford

The Longford hurlers will be without the considerable presence of centre forward Sean Browne for Sunday's Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final against Donegal (Enniskillen, throw-in 12.15pm).

The Wolfe Tones clubman scored a goal but was sent off just after the half-time whistle in last weekend's quarter-final victory over Louth. He was red carded for his involvement in an off-the-ball incident.

Browne subsequently received a 12-week ban from the GAA's Central Disciplinary Committee, meaning his inter-county summer is at an end.

The experienced player, who has lined out at centre back and in midfield in previous campaigns, will be encouraging his team mates from the sidelines nonetheless.

Heartbreakingly, he admitted in a recent interview: "The Nicky Rackard Cup has kept me going the past couple of seasons - just the thought of playing that final in Croke Park."

Browne's unavailability has forced manager Michael O'Rourke into one change. Clonguish's Joe O'Brien, who was a substitute in the 1-19 to 2-7 defeat of Louth, returns to the side.

Full-forward Gareth Ghee has been the county's top scorer during their Rackard Cup run with 2-27, and O'Rourke will be counting on another big performance from the Longford Slashers star, who was a Division Three All-Star last season.

LONGFORD (Rackard Cup v Donegal) - P Cullen; D Corcoran, T Stakem, B Stakem; R Stakem, M Coyle, F Daly; E Donnellan, B Burke (capt); A Corcoran, J O'Brien, N Casey; M Cassidy, G Ghee, J Newman.