Hurling League Semi-Finals

Today

Galway v Tipperary, Ennis, 6.30 - The new format of the league reaches crisis point with a team that's just qualified for this year's All-Ireland final and one that's recently been eliminated.

Tipperary haven't hidden their lack of interest in the league and put in a listless performance in the quarter-final against Dublin. This evening, they start only one of the side that defeated Wexford in last week's All-Ireland semi-final. Liam McGrath must wonder why he alone of the 15 has been retained. Perhaps the purpose is to try him at centre forward with a view to next month's AllIreland and the possibility of starting Declan Ryan at full forward.

If that's the case, why not play both of them? Otherwise, it's hard to work out what places are on offer for next month but the prospect might fire up those chasing places.

Galway may be entering a new era with the selection of a team that doesn't contain Joe Cooney. Other significant changes see the omission of Willie Burke from full back and the switching there of Brian Feeney who always looked more suited to a central role. Into the left corner comes Gregory Kennedy having recovered froma couple of bad injuries.

Ollie Fahy replaces Cooney while Michael Coleman, who came on a substitute, starts now in place of Joe McGrath and Alan Kerins drops out for, indirectly, Michael Donoghue. Despite their disappointment, Galway are favoured.

Tomorrow

Kilkenny v Limerick, Nowlan Park, 6.30 - AS with the first semi-final, there appears to be a disparity in motivation here. Kilkenny have named a strong side whereas Limerick are distinctly understrength. Between injuries and general unavailability, Limerick are short about half their team, including entirely different half back and full forward lines compared to those that lined out against Tipperary in Thurles.

Their exit from the championship was two months ago and keeping the show on the road hasn't been easy for manager Tom Ryan. His tenure will be reviewed as soon as the league concludes.

Kilkenny, who have made the best of their hand this season, look ready to give the competition a good crack and are able to strengthen the team after the late withdrawals from the All-Ireland semi-final team which faced Clare.

Over the summer the Leinster finalists have measured up to the best and on the basis of tomorrow's selection, Limerick don't look part of that elite bunch.