Cummins recalled to Tipperary line-up

Brendan Cummins will be back guarding Tipperary's goal this weekend for the first time since he was sensationally dropped last June by then Premier county manager Michael 'Babs' Keating.

Cummins has been named as starting goalkeeper for Tipp's Waterford Crystal Cup opener against UCC at Nenagh's MacDonagh Park on Sunday (throw-in 2pm).

The 32-year-old's last competitive appearance for his county was in the drawn Munster SHC semi-final against Limerick on June 10 of last year.

Keating handed the number 1 jersey to Killenaule clubman Gerry Kennedy for the first replay against Limerick and he held onto it for the remainder of Tipp's championship campaign - playing twice against Limerick and also against Offaly, Dublin, Cork and Wexford.

Three-time All Star Cummins, who retained his Poc Fada title last August, is evidently determined to win back his starting spot from his 22-year-old rival.

Sunday's game is an ideal chance for him to impress new Tipp boss Liam Sheedy ahead of the National Hurling League. Kennedy was given the nod between the posts for last Sunday's challenge match win over Dublin.

TIPPERARY (Waterford Crystal Cup v UCC): Brendan Cummins; Eamon Buckley, Paul Curran, Paddy Stapleton; Shane Maher, Conor O'Mahony, Benny Dunne; Joe Ceaser, Shane McGrath; John O'Brien, Ryan O'Dwyer, Pat Kerwick; Eoin Kelly, Seamus Butler, Willie Ryan.