Tipperary's defence of the Allianz National Hurling League title will commence with eleven of their All-Ireland winning team lining out in their opening fixture with Limerick in Semple Stadium on Sunday. Noel Morris, John O'Brien, Liam Cahill and Micheal Ryan are the only changes to last season's all-conquering side, with Tommy Dunne, Lar Corbett and John Carroll all named among the substitutes. Three time All-Ireland winner Declan Ryan announced his retirement at the start of the year.
Meanwhile, dual star Stephen Lucey, who played for Limerick in their shock win over Kerry in the National Football League, has opted to play for the hurlers in that game. His place in the football side to play Armagh goes to Mark O'Riordan.
Cork's Diarmuid O'Sullivan will, however, be in dual action over the weekend. O'Sullivan will line-out at full-back for the hurlers against Wexford on Saturday, and then at full-forward for the footballers against Dublin on Sunday.
Finally, Galway and Roscommon shared a 0-11 to 1-08 draw under floodlights in the Connacht FBD League on Tuesday night.
Filed by Shane Murray
