Tipperary make one change for semi-final

Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has announced his side ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Limerick at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

The Premier County selection shows just one change to the team that beat Waterford in the Munster decider last time out.

Brendan Maher comes into the side in place of Conor O’Brien, with the reshuffled defence having Padraic Maher at full-back, Paul Curran at left corner back and Brendan Maher at left half-back.

There were concerns over the fitness of James Woodlock in the past week but he has been listed to start this first ever All-Ireland semi-final meeting between Tipperary and Limerick.

Liam Sheedy says that twelve months on from an All-Ireland semi-final loss to Waterford, his side have grown in maturity and skill and are more than ready to take on the Shannonsiders this weekend.

"I'd say the lads are looking forward to the game. It's just great to be back in an All-Ireland semi-final and that's where we wanted to be at the start of the year," he said.

"I'm just delighted to get the opportunity to go back in. Last year will probably stand to us.

"I think it was an experience for a lot of the squad just to get up there (Croke Park) and play in an All-Ireland semi-final.

"Tipp hadn't been there since 2003, so definitely the experience of last year will help us."

There has been considerable concern expressed over the state of the Croke Park pitch in recent weeks, with Kilkenny hurler Jackie Tyrrell the latest to critcise it for being 'bumpy' and 'inconsistent'.

Sheedy believes that the surface is the same for both sides and that it is important just to focus on the game, and not get 'bogged down' in pitch issues.

"I think the pitch will be fully recovered by the time we get out on it. Listening to the football managers I didn't hear any of them saying the surface was bad," he explained.

"It probably looked worse than it actually was. I think Croke Park is an excellent stadium and it will be in excellent condition on Sunday.

"Whoever loses, I don't think we will be blaming the pitch!"

TIPPERARY (SHC v LIMERICK) - B Cummins; P Stapleton, P Maher, P Curran; D Fanning, C O'Mahony (capt), B Maher; J Woodlock, S McGrath; P Kerwick, S Callanan, J O'Brien; N McGrath, E Kelly, L Corbett.