Tipp boss rotates side for Cup semi

Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has opted to make wholesale changes to his team for Saturday's Waterford Crystal Cup semi-final against Cork IT (Templemore, throw-in 2.30pm).

Sheedy has made eight alterations to the side that started last weekend's 1-17 to 1-5 quarter-final victory over UCC at Nenagh.

After making his first competitive start since last June, veteran goalkeeper Brendan Cummins drops to the bench to be replaced by Killenaule youngster Gerry Kennedy.

Kennedy's club-mates Joe Ceaser and Pat Kerwick have retained their places in midfield and the half-forward line respectively, after impressive showings against UCC.

In defence, Eamon Buckley and Eamon Corcoran make way for Conor O'Brien and Declan Fanning, while James Woodlock is preferred to Shane McGrath in centre-field.

Up front there are four changes with Darragh Hickey, Seamus Callinan, Lar Corbett and Pa Bourke all coming in at the expense of John O'Brien, Ryan O'Dwyer, Seamus Butler and Willie Ryan.

The winners of Saturday's encounter at Templemore will face either Waterford or Limerick IT in the Waterford Crystal Cup final on January 27. Tipp beat Cork by 1-17 to 2-11 in last year's decider.

TIPPERARY (Waterford Crystal Cup v Cork IT) - Gerry Kennedy; Conor O'Brien, Declan Fanning, Paui Curran; Paddy Stapleton, Conor O'Mahony, Benny Dunne; Joe Ceaser, James Woodlock; Darragh Hickey, Seamus Callinan, Pat Kerwick; Eoin Kelly, Lar Corbett, Pa Bourke.