First Division

Galway United manager, Don O'Riordan, has called on Galwegians to come out in greater numbers and support his side in their top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Kilkenny City at Terryland Park tonight.

O'Riordan has been disappointed with attendances so far this season despite the club's excellent start.

"We're top of the table and we beat Shelbourne away to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup," said O'Riordan. "We've made a statement: We're your team and we're doing well, come out and support us."

Galway expect to have a full squad to pick from with Fran Carter having shaken off a knock and Michael Quirke available. Kilkenny are not so fortunate.

Manager Alfie Hale has five first-teamers out injured and will struggle to field a strong side. Brendan Rea, Paul Cashin, Pierce Walsh, Aidan Cooney and Richie Hale are definitely out. Michael Reddy and Davy Walsh, despite slight injuries, will have to start.

Third-placed Drogheda have re-signed Greg O'Dowd from Derry and he's expected to make his return in their game against St Francis at United Park.

Alan Murphy starts a two-match ban, while John Carroll is still sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.

Colm Talbot is back from suspension for St Francis and challenges Jason Ledwidge and Zairean Amie Zola for a place in attack.

Home Farm/Everton give a starting debut to recent signing John Flanagan against Monaghan at Whitehall. Mark Benson is still out while Robbie Farrell remains doubtful. Monaghan have Mick Scully back from suspension.

Longford are without Ken Lundy for their difficult trip to Cobh Ramblers. Lundy was risked as a substitute in Saturday's defeat at Kilkenny but pulled his hamstring again within 10 minutes of coming on and is out for another two weeks at least.

Athlone will be hoping to build on their encouraging win over Cobh at the weekend against bottom of the table Limerick at St Mel's Park. Player/manager James Coll has been told that he's still ineligible to play until after this weekend.