Hurney to debut for Waterford hurlers

Gary Hurney, captain of the county's footballers, will make his championship debut for the Waterford hurlers in their Munster SHC opener against Clare on Sunday (Gaelic Grounds, throw-in 2pm).

The big Abbeyside clubman will line out at centre-forward, just seven days after skippering the Deise to a Munster SFC success over Clare.

He comes in for the injured Eoin Kelly, while De La Salle defender Kevin Moran will also make his championship bow at full-back.

Ken McGrath's absence due to knee surgery sees Declan Prendergast move to centre-back.

In a big boost, Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan has recovered from a knee injury to take his place at right half-forward.

Seamus Prendergast, who injured his shoulder during the Deise's recent training camp in Portugal, is also fit enough to start at full-forward.

As well as missing Kelly and McGrath, Waterford manager Justin McCarthy will start the 2008 championship with both Eoin Murphy and Paul Flynn on the treatment table.

McCarthy said: "Our injuries are a major concern and the loss of so many outstanding players makes this a very difficult opening game for us.

"It will take a totally committed display for all of the 70 minutes to get over this one."

McCarthy is leading Waterford into the championship for the seventh season, a period in which they have won three Munster titles (2002, 2004 and 2007).

WATERFORD (SHC v Clare): C Hennessy; B Phelan, K Moran, A Kearney; T Browne, D Prendergast, J Kennedy; M Walsh (capt), D Bennett; D Shanahan, G Hurney, S Molumphy; J Mullane, S Prendergast, E McGrath.