Five to debut for Galway hurlers

Galway manager John McIntyre will hand five players their National Hurling League debuts when the Tribesmen take on a depleted Limerick side on Sunday in Kilmallock (throw-in 2.30pm).

Defenders Pat Holland and Donal Barry, midfielder Niall Cahalane and forward duo David Burke and Aidan Harte will all make their bows in the Division 1 opener.

Having shown some good early season form, which was capped off by last weekend's Walsh Cup success, and with Limerick enduring a winter of discontent, McIntyre's men are heavily favoured to open the league with a solid win.

They have one change to the side that accounted for Dublin in last Sunday's Walsh Cup final, with James Skehill replacing Colm Callanan in goal.

There is some concern over midfielder Ger Farragher, who sustained a groin injury against the Dubs, and he may not be risked with Waterford due to visit Pearse Stadium on Sunday week.

Tony Og Regan and team captain Shane Kavanagh are back fighting fit after spells out with injury, while 2005 Young Hurler of Year David Collins is also set to feature during the league campaign after recently returning from Australia.

GALWAY (NHL v Limerick): J Skehill; D Joyce, S Kavanagh (capt), P Holland; D Barry, T Og Regan, K Hynes; G Farragher, N Cahalane; A Callanan, C Donnellan, D Burke; A Harte, J Gantley, N Hayes.