Wexford under-21s shuffle same deck for All-Ireland semi-final

The Wexford under-21 hurling selectors have named the team which finished in the Leinster final victory over Offaly for Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against Cork in Dungarvan. Jason Lawlor, who came into the attack for the second half against Offaly, retains his place at the expense of Ibar Murphy on the left wing of the attack. There are a number of interesting positional switches. Colm Byrne moves from centre forward to full forward, Niall Sheil moves from midfield to right half back and Michael O'Leary moves from right half back to centre forward.

James Purcell, who figured at full forward against Offaly in the Leinster final, is now positioned at midfield where he will be partnered by Darren O'Reilly. Paul Codd, who plays at right half forward, is the only member of the side with senior inter-county experience. A list of substitutes will be announced later in the week. The unique Clare and Tipperary clash in the All-Ireland senior hurling final has thrown up an extraordinary coincidence in that the two are locked head-to-head as far as scoring is concerned. Both have run up a total of 6-78 in their four championship matches to date. Clare, however, have a marginally better record in defence. Given that Clare won by 1-18 to 0-18 in the Munster final, this is not surprising. Clare conceded 255 in their championship matches, while Tipperary conceded 3-34.

By another coincidence, Tipperary's tally of 3-24 against Down matches, point for point, Clare's score against Kerry. Clare have, of course, won all of their four matches to date - against Kerry, Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny. Tipperary's record is less impressive, having lost to Clare in the Munster final, but they have beaten Limerick, Down and Wexford in their other encounters.

Both squads report that they will, barring accidents in the meantime, be able to select from a full panel for the final on Sunday week, although the chances of alterations in their line-outs cannot be ruled out. Clare will ponder the options open to them with the return to full fitness of Fergus Tuohy. He was picked for the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny, but was withdrawn at the last moment, and his place was taken by Niall Gilligan.

Gilligan responded with a fine performance and is entitled to consideration for a starting position, while Fergal Hegarty, replaced in the Kilkenny match, may be under pressure to regain his place.

Tipperary supporters are confident that John Leahy, who suffered severe facial injuries in their All-Ireland semi-final against Wexford, will be fully fit to take his place in the final. Telifis na Gaelige has announced an interesting programme of GAA events in keeping with the time of year. First up will be the 1966 All Ireland All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Kilkenny featuring players such as Paddy Barry, Gerald McCarthy and Charlie McCarthy of Cork and Ollie Walsh, Pat Henderson, John Treacy and Eddie Keher of Kilkenny. Clare's historic victory in the 1965 All Ireland final will also be featured. Football and camogie will also be part of the TnaG September schedules. Meanwhile, the Kerry minor football selectors, under the managership of the former Kerry senior goalkeeper, Charlie Nelligan, have made four changes in the team to meet Tyrone in the replay of their All-Ireland minor football championship clash at Parnell Park on Saturday. A groin strain has forced full back Trevor McKenna out of the side and he will be replaced by Jimmy Doyle from the Beaufort club.

Two other changes are made in the full back line, with Ronan O'Connor from Ballyduff coming into the right corner position with Martin Beckett moving over the the left corner. Niall Corbett drops out.

In attack Paul Galvin and Kevin Lynch drop out and the front line now reads Liam Boyle (Ballyduff), Bernard O'Connor (St Mary's) and Kieran Foley (Kee). O'Connor, who is 17, has earned his place following his feat of scoring 2-4 for his club last weekend.

The Kennelly brothers, sons of the former Kerry senior captain, Tim Kennelly, are again included in the attack.

Former Tipperary star, Joe Hayes, returns to the Monaghan junior hurling team after suspension for Saturday's championship final. He will line out at full-forward.

The team shows two other changes from that which beat London in the semi-final. Tom Gillanders and John Harding replace Chris McEntee and Jim O'Rourke on the left side of defence.