Two changes for Tipp under-21s
Jim Bob McCarthy and David Sheppard have been recalled to the Tipperary starting line-up for Sunday's Erin All-Ireland Under-21 hurling final against Kilkenny (Croke Park, 1.30pm).
Tipp manager Fr. Tom Fogarty has reversed the two changes he made to his side for last month's 5-19 to 0-7 semi-final victory over Antrim.
Golden-Kilfeacle clubman McCarthy, who was injured for the Antrim game, comes in at centre-back with team captain David Young returning to his usual role at right half-back. Kevin Lanigan is the player to lose out in the reshuffle.
In attack, Sheppard of Moycarkey-Borris, who scored a late goal as a substitute against Antrim, will step in for Darragh Hickey at left half-forward. Hickey is unfortunate to lose out given that he impressed with a goal in the Munster final win against Cork.
Fogarty's side are hoping to win Tipperary's ninth All-Ireland title at the Under-21 grade and first since 1995.
To do so, they will need another big performance from senior panellist Darragh Egan. The Kildangan full-forward, who won a Munster minor medal as a goalkeeper in 2003, has shot 2-13 (0-11f) in Tipp's three-game run through to the final.
The Premier county's last All-Ireland U-21 win saw them defeat Kilkenny 1-14 to 1-10 in the '95 final. They have beaten Kilkenny in three other U-21 deciders - in 1980, 1981 and 1985.
TIPPERARY (U-21HC v Kilkenny) - G Kennedy; P Stapleton, A Byrne, C O'Brien; D Young (capt), JB McCarthy, S Horan; J Woodlock, S Lillis; R O'Dwyer, N Teehan, D Sheppard; R Ruth, D Egan, R McLoughney.
