Clare add strength for clash with Cork

CLARE have recalled Frank Lohan, Fergal Hegarty and Ollie Baker for their crucial Munster hurling championship match against Cork at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Sunday.

Clare did not have much trouble against Kerry in their first-round match but the changes made, boosted also by the return to first-team action of Fergus Tuohy, suggest that Cork may have a tough task on their hands.

Cork will have three players new to championship hurling for the match, and will expect the vastly experienced Ger Cunningham (in goal), Brian Corcoran (centre back), Timmy Kelleher (right half back) and Barry Egan (left half forward) to inspire the youngsters.

Clare's defence will certainly be tightened by the return of Frank Lohan, who missed the Kerry match because of a month's suspension, having been sent off in a National League match against Tipperary. He comes back into the side at left corner back in place of Brian Quinn, who is relegated to the bench.

Other alterations to the side which disposed of Kerry in the opening round involve Hegarty at midfield in place of David Forde and Baker also back at midfield for Colin Lynch.

Tuohy came in as a substitute for Jamesie O'Connor in the Kerry match. O'Connor is again selected at left half forward, having recovered from a knock which he took against Kerry.

Included among the list of substitutes are Brian Quinn, Christy Chaplin, David Forde and Stephen McNamara, who all have championship experience.

Cork's selectors have given first championship debuts to Diarmuid O'Sullivan from Cloyne (left corner back), Alan Cummins from Blackrock (midfield) and Sean McGrath from Glen Rovers (right corner forward).

An interesting selection here is that of Cummins, whose father Frank was one of the great performers for Kilkenny some years ago and who was often instrumental in plotting Cork's downfall. The family now live in Cork and Frank won Cork championship medals with Blackrock.

All three of the Cork newcomers have had National League experience. Also included, at left-half back, is the promising Sean Og O hAilpin, who has come through the minor and under-21 ranks.

Offaly have named an almost full strength side for Sunday's Leinster hurling championship tie against Laois in Croke Park. There is just one change from the team that overwhelmed Meath in the first round with Michael Duignan replacing Ger OakIcy at midfield.

Meanwhile, the Monaghan football selectors will wait until tonight to decide on their lineup for the replay against Derry in Celtic Park. They will certainly be without Joe Coyle, who was sent off in the drawn match and is under automatic suspension.

There is some concern about Noel Marron, who scored their second goal so expertly on Sunday last. He has a bruised calf muscle but is expected to respond to treatment and take his place in the Monaghan defence.

Derry will also be without Brian McCormack, who was sent off with Joe Coyle last Sunday. His absence may be covered by moving Dermot Heaney to centre forward and bringing in Seamus Downey at full forward.

Derry are worried about the fitness of Emmet McKeever, who had to leave the field last Sunday, but they could compensate for that by recalling Gary Coleman to the starting line-up. Coleman looked quite sharp when he came in as a substitute for McKeever after 63 minutes.

The Armagh selectors were relieved to hear that Diarmuid Marsden will be available for their clash with Tyrone on June 15th. He was sent off in a recent club championship match but received the minimum sentence of two weeks and is certain to be included in the side.

Cavan are hoping that Dermot McCabe will have recovered from a slight hamstring problem to take his place against Fermanagh in Clones on Sunday. There are slight doubts also about Stephen King and Phillip Kermath but all three are expected to line out.

Fermanagh are also expected to, be at full strength with Rory and Raymond Gallagher recovered from injury.

Meanwhile, Paul Curran, whose future in Dublin football has been in some doubt, took part in a full Dublin training session last night and now looks certain to be included in the side to play Meath in the Leinster championship on June 15th.

Curran has had a persistent groin injury and there were fears that he would be forced to have an operation which would keep him out of football for the rest of the season.

Last night's training session showed that Curran, who took medical advice about the injury yesterday, now remains a strong contender for a place in the Dublin side and that, for the moment at least the threat of an operation has been postponed.