O’Brien back in Tipp defence for Galway clash

CONOR O’BRIEN returns to the Tipperary defence for tomorrow’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final against an unchanged Galway side as the biggest crowd so far this summer is expected in Croke Park for a mouth-watering match that promises to finally ignite the hurling Championship. Tipperary manager Éamon O’Shea drafts the Éire Óg Annacarty man into corner-back, replacing Michael Breen. The 30-year-old O’Brien had started the Munster SHC semi-final against Limerick but made way for the final after Cathal Barrett regained fitness. Breen, who made his first Championship start in the Munster final win over Waterford, drops to the bench with Rónán Maher returning to the halfback line. Brendan Maher captains the side as Tipperary’s much-vaunted attack remains as it was five weeks ago when they claimed the county’s 41st Munster title. It means that both John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer and Séamus Callanan are named in the full-forward line, although they are likely to constantly be on the move during the match. Tipp have 10 survivors from last summer’s

qualifier win over Galway. The defensive duo of Paddy Stapleton and Michael Cahill, neither of whom are back to full fitness, Gearóid Ryan, Lar Corbett and Noel McGrath are the five that make way from that game in Semple Stadium. McGrath, though, is likely to see some game time tomorrow after his swift recovery from testicular cancer surgery. If the talented forward is called from the bench, it is certain to be an emotional moment for the Premier County. Meanwhile, Galway manager Anthony Cunningham has seen no reason to tinker with the team which brushed Cork aside in the quarter-final. It means teenage sensation Conor Whelan, who scored 1-2 on his Championship debut against the Leesiders, retains his place in Galway’s impressive attack. Whelan is named in the half-forward line alongside Cyril Donnellan, who is having a wonderful season, and Johnny Glynn, scorer of a fantastic first-minute goal against Cork. Joe Canning, who shot eight uncharacteristic wides against Cork, retains his place at fullforward. Aidan Harte also keeps his place at wing-back, despite veteran defender David Collins making a full recovery from his hamstring injury. Nine of those that started last July’s qualifier against Tipperary will start tomorrow, an indication of how Galway manager Anthony Cunningham has shook things up. Much focus will be on John Hanbury and Pádraig Mannion in the full-back line, who are both enjoying fine summers, as they try to nullify the threat of Callanan and O’Dwyer. Those two potential match-ups are only one reason why there is expected to be a crowd of around 60,000 in Croke Park tomorrow for a game that can finally bring the hurling summer to life. The All-Ireland semifinal will be preceded by the two minor semifinals. Galway and Kilkenny meet in their replay at 12pm, while Tipperary meet Dublin at 2pm.