There's a strong Fitzgibbon Cup flavour to many of the selections for Sunday's National Hurling League programme. Waterford IT, convincing winners, not surprisingly lead the way with six of their players listed for action this weekend.
Tipperary, for what will be Nicholas English's first League match in charge, pick the strongest WIT contingent with goalkeeper Kevin O'Brien coming in for the injured Brendan Cummins, Eamonn Corcoran, who was named Player of the Tournament, is picked at full back, Wille Maher, who missed the Fitzgibbon through suspension, lines out at wing forward and All Star footballer Declan Browne also gains selection.
It has been a hectic few days for Browne. He scored 2-2 in the Fitzgibbon final defeat of UCC on Sunday and on Monday was named Player of the Munster club football championship. Now he receives his first call-up for a NHL match. Tipperary also include UCD hurlers Hugh Flannery and Paul Ormonde.
The cutting-edge of WIT's campaign, Henry Shefflin and Dave Bennett - who shared 0-15 in the semi-final against Garda College - also get the call from their respective counties. Shefflin is switched from the wing to full forward by Kilkenny manager Brian Cody whereas Bennett is picked for Waterford despite the concern of a finger injury but will undergo a fitness test before the throw-in.
Kilkenny make two changes for their match with Laois. Mooncoin's Tom Murphy, a member of the 1990 and '91 panels, is given the chance at the age of 31 to refloat his career and is picked at centrefield whereas Brian McEvoy comes back in place of Dermot Maher.
Laois give a vote of confidence to the side which two weeks ago recorded a first victory over Wexford in 14 years.
The weekend's top match is between Galway and Clare at Athenry and the home side make only one change - the replacement of goalkeeper Kevin Devine by Damien Howe. Both players will alternate in goal throughout the season, according to team manager Matt Murphy.
Clare make three changes. Brian Minogue, a member of last year's panel, is named at full forward instead of Barry Murphy, who has an ankle injury. Liam Doyle and Anthony Daly return to the defence in place of Michael O'Halloran and Richard Woods, respectively.
Waterford name the team that beat Down in their first match for the clash with neighbours Wexford. Corner back Tom Feeney picked up a finger injury in the closing stages of that game, which saw the home side inflict a 25 points drubbing on an under-strength Down outfit, but he has fully recovered to take his place in Sunday's line-up.
Dublin introduce three newcomers to League competition for their match with Kerry on Sunday. They are goalkeeper Dermot Maguire, midfielder Michael Fitzsimons and wing forward Shane Ryan.
