Gleeson and Cahill get chance for Tipperary

INJURIES and consequent readjustments have prompted Tipperary manager Father Tom Fogarty and his selectors to make two changes in personnel and two positional switches for Sunday's National Hurling League final against Galway at the Limerick Gaelic Grounds.

In adjustments to the team which started against Laois in the semi final, Declan Ryan and Kevin Tucker are replaced by Conor Gleeson and Liam Cahill, both of whom were introduced as substitutes two weeks ago.

Ryan, who was selected for the semi final at full forward, is forced out by the shoulder injury that caused his withdrawal from the semi final. He and Tommy Dunne, another option for the full forward position, were ruled out and neither are even named on the replacements' bench.

The dropping of Kevin Tucker is a bit of a surprise. Having been introduced to the team after playing a prominent role in Eire Og, Nenagh's first county title victory, he has enjoyed a promising League, including a very impressive outing against Kilkenny.

In the semi final, however, he had a difficult match on John Taylor and was replaced at halftime. His brother Eddie, who scored two well taken points against Laois, is named at centre forward despite an injury doubt.

Gleeson's introduction at midfield is recognition for his vigorous display as a sub against Laois. Until Gleeson's appearance, Tipperary struggled in that sector as Owen Coss and Declan Conroy enjoyed the upper hand.

Raymie Ryan, whom Gleeson replaced, is retained, but at right wing forward. This frees captain Michael Cleary to move into the corner, where it is hoped be can rediscover some of his old form. Eyebrows will be raised at the selection of Cahill at full forward. Only a year out of minor, he showed well in the semi final and is highly regarded in the county but would normally operate in the half forward line. In addition, as well as being young, he is of slight build and not particularly tall, so a switch with Nicky English, in the left corner, could be on the cards.

There is no change in the defence from the team which played against Laois. Again, injury threatened disruption here with rumours that Colm Bonnar had cracked his wrist playing in the Carlow elevens last weekend. In the event he is perfectly fit to play. His brother Conal continues at right wing where he started against Laois as a late, indirect, replacement for Noel Sheehy.

George Frend - who captained Tipperary to the 1994 League title, also against Galway - stays back in the left corner and Paul Shelly is retained at full back.

Amongst the substitutes, both Sheehy and Pat Fox are named. According to manager, Father Fogarty, both will be available if required to play.

It is likely, however, that Sheehy isn't 100 per cent; otherwise he would probably have started at full back. Fox - who scored what was in effect the winning point after coming on against Laois - on the other hand may well make an appearance at some stage.

Meanwhile, there were crumbs of comfort for Donegal's Tony Boyle yesterday as he was named the Ulster GAA Writers' merit award winner for the month of April. It is the second time he has won the award. Boyle, who had been in outstanding form throughout the league, scored six of Donegal's ten points against Cork in the League semi final, bringing his total for the campaign to date to 2-36.

. Tommy Boland, a former chairman of the Munster Council, who passed away this week in Limerick, was a founder member of the Patrickswell club who are current county champions. He was registrar of the Limerick City board from 1958 to 62 and secretary from 1964-67.

An inter-county hurler in the 1940s and 50s, he won Munster Junior titles in 1948 and 52, and was Limerick county secretary for 20 years, 1967-87.

. Leinster full back Hugh Kenny has been named in the Wicklow team for Sunday's Leinster football championship game against Longford.

Kenny's availability had been in doubt after he picked up a painful ankle injury in a local league game two weeks ago. For the past week the Baltinglass star has been receiving treatment by a physiotherapist for the injury.