Galway, Clare confirm teams for qualifier clash

The build-up to tomorrow's All-Ireland SHC second phase qualifier in Ennis may have been overshadowed by the suspension of Galway Hurling Board chairman Miko Ryan, but Galway have received a timely boost with Damien Hayes' inclusion in the team.

Hayes damaged a calf muscle in a recent club outing for Portumna but has been passed fit to start in a full-forward line that contains his club-mate Joe Canning and Niall Healy.

The corner forward's recovery and that of centre-back John Lee from a toe injury means Galway manager John McIntyre has been afforded the chance to name an unchanged side, following on from their battling performance against Kilkenny in the Leinster Championship.

Colm Callanan retains the goalkeeper's jersey, staving off the best efforts of the fit-again James Skehill.

Meanwhile, hosts Clare are unchanged for tomorrow's tie at Cusack Park (throw-in 7pm) - however they have sprung a surprise by naming former All-Star forward Tony Griffin in midfield.

Griffin, a regular on the left wing, has been pencilled in to partner team captain Brian O'Connell in the Banner's engine room, with Jonathan Clancy pushed into the left corner forward role and free-taker Colin Ryan on the left wing.

Ryan was to the forefront of Clare's comeback in their Munster semi-final defeat by Tipperary, finishing with a handsome 0-12 tally from placed balls and open play.

Tomorrow's game will be the 12th Championship meeting between Clare and Galway and the men from Munster have won eight of the previous clashes with one draw.

Galway’s only two wins came in the 2003 All-Ireland qualifiers and in the 1961 Munster Championship.

GALWAY (SHC v Clare) - C Callanan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning (capt); F Moore, J Lee, A Cullinane; E Lynch, K Hynes; A Callanan, C Donnellan, A Smith; D Hayes, J Canning, N Healy.

CLARE (SHC v Galway) - P Brennan; P Vaughan, J McInerney, G O'Grady; A Markham, B Bugler, P Donnellan; B O'Connell (capt), T Griffin; T Carmody, D McMahon, C Ryan; N Gilligan, D Barrett, J Clancy.