Kilkenny blow as Michael Fennelly sidelined with back injury

Kilkenny suffered a late setback before Sunday's GAA Leinster hurling semi-final against Galway in Tullamore with the news that former Hurler of the Year Michael Fennelly has had to withdraw from the team.

Although his absence is unexplained on the county website, a county source confirmed that he pulled up in training, reportedly with a back injury. His place at centre forward is taken by Mark Kelly who started the quarter-final win over Offaly at full forward.

Richie Power is fit again and comes into the team at full forward. Record All-Ireland winner Henry Shefflin is named amongst the replacements after recovering from a foot injury.

The only other change from the quarter-final win over Offaly sees Kieran Joyce selected at wing back with Lester Ryan dropping to the bench.

Galway make two changes from their narrow escape against Laois. Portumna centrefielder Andy Smith comes in for Aidan Harte with Johnny Coen switching from the middle to wing back whereas in attack Jason Flynn, who scored three points from play off the bench the last day, comes in to replace Jonathan Glynn.

KILKENNY: E Murphy; P Murphy, JJ Delaney, B Kennedy; K Joyce, J Tyrrell, C Buckley; P Walsh, R Hogan; W Walsh, M Kelly, TJ Reid; C Fennelly, R Power, E Larkin.

GALWAY: C Callanan; F Moore, R Burke, D Collins; Daithí Burke, I Tannian, J Coen; A Smith, P Brehony; David Burke, N Burke, C Cooney; C Mannion, J Canning, J Flynn.