Rooney to miss league semi final

LAOIS have been disrupted by the withdrawal of wing forward Declan Rooney from consideration for Sunday's National Hurling League semi final against Tipperary. Rooney is studying for his final exams in Engineering at UCG and is unavailable for a couple of weeks.

Rooney's physical strength will be missed in the Laois attack. A capable dual player, he won a Leinster under 21 medal with the county's footballers two years ago although he has opted since to concentrate on hurling. He has suffered from injuries, however, over the last couple of years.

There are a few contenders for Rooney's place on the left wing. Utility player Noel Delaney, who has started the last two league matches at corner back and centre forward respectively, will come into the reckoning, as will Fintan Lalor who marked his return from injury by coming on in the quarter final win over Kilkenny.

The team will be announced after training tonight. Corner back John Taylor, who missed the quarter final, is back in training and expected to be available for selection.

Aidan Ryan's availability for Tipperary is in doubt. A back injury prevented him from training last week and he did not line out for his club, Borrisoleigh, at the weekend. A decision on his fitness will be made at training tonight after which the Tipperary team will be announced.

Tipperary have named their minor football team to face Cork in tomorrow's championship encounter in Cork. It will be a re run of last year's Munster final, won by Tipperary on their way to the All Ireland semi final where they were beaten by eventual champions Westmeath.

. Jacksie Ryan, of Upperchurch, Thurles, who has died, was one of Tipperary's best known and most colourful GAA personalities. Aged 65, he had a life long involvement in Gaelic games as a player, referee and administrator. He was a long term member of Tipperary County Board and also represented the county at Munster Council level.

He is survived by his wife Helen and sons JC, Conor, Padraig and Finbarr.