Blow for West Waterford as clause leaves team Power-less

WEST WATERFORD’S chances of a first Bulmers Irish Senior Cup pennant at Tullamore over the weekend have taken a big blow because of the absence of key man Seamus Power.

The Irish international and a player central to the club’s surge to a fine victory in Munster has been unable to gain a release from East Tennessee State University. It is understood that the terms of his scholarship contract do not allow him to play for any team other than the Irish national side.

Left-hander Mark Shanahan takes over the number one spot in the West Waterford side that comes up against Ulster champions Castlerock in this morning’s second semi-final at 9.20am. He plays Dr David Mulholland, a former Irish international and player-captain of the Castlerock side.

Galway, who lost in the semi-final of the Barton Shield to Banbridge on Thursday, will seek to make amends when they take on Laytown & Bettystown in the first semi-final at 8.30am. New South of Ireland champion Robbie Cannon leads the Laytown & Bettystown & side against Dave Scully as Galway have opted to play their most experienced campaigner, Joe Lyons, at number five.

Bulmers Irish Senior Cup semi finals: 8.30am, Galway v Laytown & Bettystown (Galway names first): Dave Scully v Robert Cannon; Eddie McCormack v John McGinn; Damien Coyne v Stephen Barry; Damien Glynn v Russell Durnin; Joe Lyons v Padraig Rafferty.

9.20am: Castlerock v West Waterford. (Castlerock names first). David Mulholland v Mark Shanahan; Dan Beattie v Gary Hurley; Gordon Forbes v Philip Spratt; Aaron Kearney v David Curran; Donal Mulholland v Philip Walsh.