Tompkins in at centre forward

Although much rumour suggested the fact, the selection of Larry Tompkins at centre forward for Cork for the Munster football semi-final against Kerry in Killarney on Sunday has surprised many. Tompkins, from the Castlehaven club, who formerly played for Kildare, is now in the autumn of his career and lacking in the kind of pace which would be expected in championship football. And yet he as manager and a selector of the Cork side has been included in the line-up to face the All-Ireland champions in what many consider to be the contest which will decide the Munster title this year.

Because of the open draw in Munster either Kerry or Cork will face either Clare or Tipperary in the Munster final and it now seems that the expertise of Tompkins both as a leader and as a free-taker could have a very important, if not a decisive, effect on the outcome.

Another surprise in the Cork selection is that the Na Piarsaigh player, Sean Og O hAilpin, has failed to make the team. This is probably because much if not most of his attention has been devoted to hurling in recent times. Cork have included two newcomers to championship fare in their line-up. Damien O'Neill from Bantry Blues will play at midfield in partnership with Pat Hegarty while Alan O'Regan from Castletownbere will play at right corner forward. The Offaly hurling selectors have made two changes in their side for the clash with Kilkenny in the Leinster final against Kilkenny. Darren Hannify comes in at right corner forward for his brother Garry and John Ryan, a dual player with the county, will come in for Mark Hand at full forward.

Sligo, regretting the squander-mania which saw them surrender a seven-point lead and forced them to depend on a last minute 45 in their draw with Roscommon last Sunday, will be taking a cool, calm look at their defence for their replay in Markievicz Park. It would appear that there may be changes either in the full-back line or the half-back line or even at midfield.

Among the possibilities open to them would be the recall to corner back of Niall Carew who has recovered from injury while Nigel Clancy or Noel Maguire might be considered for the full-back spot. Also in line for selection is Con O'Meara who came in as a sub in the drawn match, while the possibility of moving Clancy to midfield may also be under consideration.

To add to Sligo's uncertainty is the fact that their left corner back Mark Cosgrove took a knock in the Hyde Park match and has been under treatment during the week in the hope that he will be fit.

It is understood that the composition of the team will not be made public until the squad gathers for training tomorrow night. It is expected that Markievicz Park's capacity will be severely tested for the match and it will be an all-ticket affair with a likely ceiling of about 12,000. The attendance in Roscommon was estimated to be in the region of 15,000.

Roscommon are more or less in the same position, and will also wait until Thursday to name their side. There are still doubts about the match fitness of Tommy Grehan and Fergal O'Donnell, both of whom came on as subs on Sunday. Grehan has an old nagging knee injury and a groin strain as well and will not be risked as a starting player while the same applies to O'Donnell. Others on the injured list are Sean Staunton, Conor Conneely and Alan Nowlan.

Cork (SF v Kerry): M Maguire; M O'Connor, B Corcoran, E Sexton; C O'Sullivan, S O'Brien, M Cronin; P Hegarty, D O'Neill; R McCarthy, L Tompkins, D Davis; A O'Regan, J Kavanagh, A Dorgan.

Offaly (SH v Kilkenny): S Byrne; B Whelehan, H Rigney, M Hannamy; C Cassidy, B Whelehan, K Martin; J Pilkington, M Duignan; J ohnny Dooley, J Troy, Joe Dooley; D Hannify, J Ryan, B Dooley.