Galway ace Farragher in fitness race to make NHL final

Top Galway hurling star Ger Farragher is being given every opportunity to line out in the Allianze NHL final.

Farragher picked up a back injury in the semi-final against Cork casting doubt about whether he will line out on Sunday at the Gaelic Grounds, but he has been named on the half forward line and will face a late fitness test as a resurgent Galway look to claim the season's first major silverware.

Clare's former All-Ireland winning boss Ger Loughnane has named an unchanged side for the clash with the Premier county.

Following his impressive senior debut last weekend it will come as no major suprise that Portumna's teenage sensation Joe Canning retains his place in the full forward line, along with Damien Hayes and Iarla Tannian.

Loughnane says he intends making the most of the final opportunity.

Galway (SH v Tipperary): J Skehill; C Dervan, T Regan, F Moore; A Cullinane, J Lee, S Kavanagh; K Hynes, R Murray; G Farragher, F Healy, N Healy; D Hayes, J Canning, I Tannian.