Big names out as Clare make 13 changes

Clare manager Ger Loughnane has made 13 changes to the team which disappointed him in losing to Limerick last Sunday. The lone survivors are David Hoey and Ollie Baker.

Acting on his worries that his established players had lost the hunger of old, Loughnane has selected virtually a new team for what amounts to a must-win National Hurling League game against Offaly on Sunday.

Kenneth Kennedy, who came in as a substitute against Limerick, has been named at full back, with the Forde brothers, Colm and Brian, at either side of him.

David Hoey, who impressed for St Joseph's during their club championship run, gets another chance at half back while Ollie Baker, so long the focal point of Loughnane's teams at centrefield, will also play at half back. Richard Woods fills the centre-half position which Sean McMahon made his own over the years. Gerry Quinn will play at midfield alongside Fergus Flynn.

Up front, no James O'Connor, no Colin Lynch, no Alan Markham and no Niall Gilligan.

There are familiar names in Eamonn Taaffe, who had his first run of the season as a substitute last weekend, and Fergie Touhy, who lines out at centre forward.

Offaly have a more familiar look with four of the Birr contingent returning - Simon Whelahan, Johnny Pilkington, Joe Errity and Niall Claffey. But Kevin Kinahan, Brian Whelahan and Hubert Rigney are ruled out by injury.

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has also made wholesale changes for their game against Derry. Although Kilkenny hit 2-14 during last weekend's win over Tipperary, Cody has completely changed the attack. Stephen Grehan and Brian McEvoy, both of whom finished scoreless, give way with Jack Carey and JP Corcoran coming into the half-forward line.

Denis Byrne drops back to midfield to partner the reinstated Philip Larkin, whose return strengthens Cody's options for the central pairing. Andy Comerford has been rested and the versatile Peter Barry drops back to right half back.

As expected, goalkeeper James McGarry was not considered for selection - he was concussed during last week's game - and his place has been taken by Martin Carey.

DJ Carey remains on the injured list but there is still a strong family representation with his two brothers, Martin and Jack, included.

There is some good news for Wexford with the return of Paul Codd to training this week. Codd, last year's captain and a prolific scorer, had begun to establish himself as the most significant addition to the first team since the All-Ireland was won in 1996 but opted out of inter-county training this season because of work commitments.

Waterford manager Gerald McCarthy won't be announcing his team to play Laois on Sunday until after training this evening. His main concerns are full back James O'Connor, corner forward Paul Flynn and Barry Walsh.

In football, Gerard Cavlan is back in the Tyrone team, three months after quitting the squad. Cavlan rejoined the panel last week and is included at centre forward for Sunday's Dr McKenna Cup clash with Derry at Coalisland.