Munster without top trio

Munster will be without the attacking talents of Kieran Donaghy, Colm Cooper and Declan Browne for Friday's M Donnelly Interprovincial semi-final against Connacht (Ballyforan, 8pm).

Kerry pair Donaghy and Cooper and Tipperary talisman Browne all have club commitments and will not be available for the trip to Roscommon.

Munster issued a request to have the Interpro game brought forward by 24 hours as a sizeable amount of Kerry players will be attending their star midfielder Darragh O Se's wedding on Saturday, but organising officials are not budging.

Munster football manager Gerry O'Sullivan is ploughing on regardless.

He confirmed: "Any player who was contacted was anxious to play in the competition. Even those who are up training in Dublin with the International Rules panel are giving full commitment to Munster until such time as they know if they have made the Ireland squad or not.

“We have exciting young players involved, like Ger Spillane, but it’s true the timing is a bit off.

“It’s a pity not to have the likes of Kieran Donaghy because I know people would travel anywhere to see him play at the moment. But what an attraction it would be for the GAA to have him in Boston for the final.”