Dublin hurlers experiment
Thursday, 30 March 2006 12:51Dublin manager Tommy Naughton has made five changes to his side for Sunday's NHL Division 2A tie with Carlow at St. Sylvester's, Malahide, 3.30pm.
Last week's 1-10 to 0-09 win over Meath guaranteed a semi-final spot for Naughton's charges so this weekend's fifth round affords the Dubs a chance to experiment.
Alan Nolan, last season's Under-21 'keeper, takes over from Gary Maguire in goals, while in defence, Cuala's Robert Reid takes over at left corner-back from Tomas Brady with Derek O'Reilly of Craobh Chiarain starting at left wing-back.
O'Toole's star Michael Carton shifts to midfield to partner John McCaffrey.
McCaffrey, last year's Leinster minor championship-winning captain, has recovered from a groin injury and will make his debut in Malahide, but is not expected to play the full 70 minutes. In attack, Erins Isle hitman Keith Dunne replaces Stuart Mullen at left half-forward.
Team captain Philip Brennan, Stephen McDonnell, David Curtin and Padraig O'Driscoll are missing due to injury, while Damien Russell has opted out of Naughton's squad.
Meanwhile, Ger O'Meara of O'Tooles has been invited back to the hurling panel after opting to quit the Dublin football squad earlier this week.
DUBLIN (NHL v Carlow) - A Nolan, A de Paor, K Ryan, R Reid, G Bennett, R Fallon, D O'Reilly, M Carton, J McCaffrey, E Moran, L Ryan, K Dunne; T McGrane, K Flynn, A McCrabbe.
