Kerins called upon by Galway
Alan Kerins, an Under-21 All-Ireland winner in 1996, has returned to the Galway line-up for Sunday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final tie with Tipperary (Croke Park, throw-in 2pm).
Kerins and championship newcomer Niall Healy, both substitutes against Limerick three weeks ago, have been included in manager Conor Hayes' attack for the Tribesmen's first All-Ireland visit to Croke Park since the 2002 quarter-finals.
Hayes has made two changes and a number of positional switches from the side that pipped the Shannonsiders 1-18 to 2-14 in Galway's final qualifier. Kerins and Healy replace Colin Coen and Kevin Hayes indirectly.
Experienced defender Ollie Canning, an All-star in 2001 and 2003, files back to corner back to replace Coen, with Tony Og Regan covering Canning in the half-back line.
The other positional changes see David Tierney form a midfield tandem with Fergal Healy, having previously lined out at wing forward, and Kerins and Niall Healy's inclusions up front, mean Richie Murray mans the full-forward berth and Kevin Hayes is squeezed out for a start.
Tipp have managed to beat Galway in their last two championship meetings - in the 2001 All-Ireland final (2-18 to 2-15 and two years ago in the qualifiers (1-18 to 1-17).
GALWAY (SHC v Tipperary): L Donoghue (capt); D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning; D Hardiman, T Og Regan, D Collins; F Healy, D Tierney; A Kerins, D Forde, N Healy; G Farragher, R Murray, D Hayes.
