O'Leary names Munster squad

MUNSTER manager Joe O'Leary has announced a 25-man panel for Sunday's M Donnelly Interprovincial hurling final against Leinster in Boston.

O'Leary, a Cork selector, has included eight of the Rebels' All-Ireland winning squad. 2004 Cork captain Ben O'Connor should start at wing forward again after top-scoring with seven points in Munster's 0-25 to 1-13 semi-final defeat of Ulster on October 23.

Clare veteran Davy Fitzgerald started in goal the last day but Cork stopper Donal Óg Cusack could come into contention.

Fitzgerald is one of seven Clare players included. Waterford and Tipperary boast four representatives each while Limerick's Ollie Moran and Paul O'Grady are also Boston-bound.

Tipp's quartet is headed by 2005 All-Star nominated midfielder Paul O'Kelly, who landed six points against Ulster.

The Interpro final is being held at the Aidan McAnespies club in Canton, Boston this weekend. Holders Munster are gunning for their fourth title in the last six years and 45th title in all.

Meanwhile Limerick dual star Stephen Lucey has guaranteed his availability to Dublin hurling champions UCD for Sunday week's Leinster club crunch with Birr.

Lucey played no part in last Sunday's provincial opener against Meath representatives Killyon and is currently in Australia.

But speaking from Australia, the medical student insisted he'll be back for the eagerly awaited clash with Offaly kingpins Birr.

Lucey explained: "I'm over here visiting my Godson and just taking a bit of time off.

"It's been all go between work and sport so it's great to get a bit of a break.

"But I'll definitely be back for the Birr game. It's going to be a huge match because both of us would have ambitions of going well in Leinster."

Lucey lined out for UCD last Friday night at wing-forward as Michael 'Babs' Keating's side retained their county title at St Vincent's expense.

MUNSTER (SH Panel v Leinster): D Óg Cusack, R Curran, J Gardiner, P Mulcahy, B O'Connor, J O'Connor, N Ronan, K Murphy (Sars), (all Cork), D Fitzgerald, T Carmody, N Gilligan, A Markham, D McMahon, G O'Grady, G Quinn (all Clare), E Kelly, E Murphy, J Murray, S Prendergast (all Waterford), P Curran, D Fitzgerald, P Kelly, M Webster (all Tipperary), O Moran, P O'Grady (both Limerick).