Kilkenny look at younger players

GAA: Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody has named a largely experimental side for Sunday's AIB senior hurling tournament game against Waterford at Walsh Park.

Missing DJ Carey and Charlie Carter, Cody has brought in some younger faces in the forwards. The corner forward positions go to under-21 players Kieran Rafter and Ciaran Power, while Richie Mullally, a brother of Paddy Mullally, partners Stephen Byrne at midfield.

Martin Comerford, a brother of Andy, is named at wing forward.

With the National League campaign just three weeks away, Longford footballers will have to plan without influential midfielder David Hannify who is going to America shortly. It is unclear if he will return for the championship.

Meanwhile, Leinster club football champions Rathnew were last night awaiting the decision of the Leinster Council, who convened in Portlaoise to consider the on-pitch incidents involving Dublin champions Na Fianna at the end of the provincial final replay last month.

Members of both teams were clearly seen to get involved in the incident, which took place at Newbridge on December 23rd. The game was televised live by TG4, and the pictures suggested that the trouble erupted between Rathnew's Richard Dignam and Na Fianna's Stephen McGinchey.

A number of other people then got involved, including supporters of both sides. The Wicklow champions came out comfortable winners after the period of extra time but it remains to be seen if they will suffer any sanction.

Rathnew are due to play their All-Ireland club semi-final against Ballinderry in Longford on February 24th. Should any player receive a suspension they are almost certain to be ruled out of the action.

Referee Pat Fox was also present on the field at the time and was able to include the incident in his report, this avoiding the need for an investigation.

KILKENNY (SH v Waterford): PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, P Barry, N Hickey; P Cahill, JJ Delaney, A Cummins; S Byrne, R Mullally; M Comerford, J Hoyne, E Brennan; K Rafter, H Shefflin, C Power.