McIntyre selects much-changed Galway side

Galway manager John McIntyre has made 13 changes to his team for Sunday's Allianz NHL Division 1 final against Cork at Semple Stadium (throw-in 7pm).

Corner back Ollie Canning and left half-forward Andy Smyth are the only survivors from the second string side that started the 3-17 to 2-13 victory over Cork in the final round of the league phase, two weeks ago.

Ankle injuries rule out both Fergal Moore and Niall Healy, with Damien Joyce and Iarla Tannian the players to be promoted. Healy scored 2-9 when the sides met recently at Pearse Stadium.

Tony Og Regan will line out at centre-back, while Cyril Donnellan returns from suspension to lead the Galway attack and Joe Canning gets the nod at full-forward.

Galway are chasing their first league title since 2004 and a win on Sunday evening would be a significant boost to the Tribesmen ahead of their Leinster Championship opener against Wexford on May 29.

Hoping his side can continue their fine run - they won six of their seven league games, losing only to Tipperary in Thurles - McIntyre said: "Now that we're in the final, we want to win it. There will be no holding back.

"It is ideal preparation for the Championship. Otherwise we'd be going around scrambling for a challenge game against somebody somewhere. I believe the players are positioned to give a good account of themselves.

"Regardless of the result, the bottom line is that we want to see Galway producing a performance that gives us momentum going into the Championship. If we win it, all the better.

"I expect it to be a very competitive game. Cork have regrouped extremely well this year."

GALWAY (NHL v Cork): Colm Callanan; Damien Joyce, Shane Kavanagh (capt), Ollie Canning; Donal Barry, Tony Og Regan, David Collins; Ger Farragher, David Burke; Aidan Harte, Cyril Donnellan, Andy Smyth; Damien Hayes, Joe Canning, Iarla Tannian.