Baker names unchanged Offaly side

Offaly manager Ollie Baker has named an unchanged team to face Galway in Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final in Portlaoise (throw-in 2pm).

Baker has kept faith with the side that started the 2-12 to 1-13 first-round win over Wexford at the start of the month.

Captain David Kenny and Rory Hanniffy, who returned against the Model men, provide the spine of the Offaly defence with Conor Mahon and Kevin Brady combining in midfield.

Tullamore sharpshooter and Offaly's former captain, Shane Dooley, will pose a threat at top of the right - he tallied up 1-8 (0-7f) in the Wexford game - as will wing forward Joe Bergin, their other goal scorer last time out.

Dooley is joined in the full-forward line by Coolderry duo Cathal Parlon and Brian Carroll, with the fleet-footed Sean Ryan and Derek Molloy hoping to make an impact off the bench.

Looking to guide Offaly through to their first Leinster SHC decider since 2004, Baker told the Midland Tribune: "It's back to reality again. We have a seriously daunting task on Sunday.

"It's a huge challenge and we are really looking forward to it. We are not cannon fodder for any team at this stage of the Championship. We are going to give it our best shot."

The counties met at the semi-final stage of the 2010 Championship. The first game was drawn on a 2-19 to 3-16 scoreline but Galway ran out 3-17 to 2-18 winners of the replay.

OFFALY (SHC v Galway): James Dempsey; Derek Morkan, David Kenny (capt), David Franks; Diarmuid Horan, Rory Hanniffy, James Rigney; Conor Mahon, Kevin Brady; Joe Bergin, Colin Egan, Brendan Murphy; Shane Dooley, Cathal Parlon, Brian Carroll.