McGarry loses his place to Ryan

Fenians clubman PJ Ryan will make a rare championship start for Kilkenny when the All-Ireland champions take on Offaly in tomorrow's Leinster SHC semi-final (Portlaoise, throw-in 4pm).

Ryan, whose last championship appearance for the Cats was against Dublin in 2003, has edged out Kilkenny's other goalkeepers - James McGarry, the long-time regular, and Richie O-Neill - for the coveted number 1 jersey.

McGarry has been ever-present during Kilkenny's last three championship campaigns, having dislodged Ryan for the 2003 Leinster final. Ryan was the Cats' preferred 'keeper during the recent National League.

As expected, Kilkenny boss Brian Cody has opted to bring Eoin Larkin into his side for injured wing forward Richie Power (hamstring). There is a surprise however as John Tennyson, who has also been struggling with a hamstring injury, has failed to make the line-up. His place at centre-back has gone to Brian Hogan.

The 2006 Young Hurler of the Year James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick is also restored to midfield, after lining out at full-forward during the latter stages of the National League.

Tomorrow afternoon's clash is Brian Cody's 36th championship match in charge of Kilkenny. His SHC record since 1999 reads 29 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw.

KILKENNY (SHC v Offaly): PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, JJ Delaney; D Lyng, J Fitzpatrick; W O'Dwyer, H Shefflin (capt), E Larkin; E Brennan, M Comerford, A Fogarty.