Sheehan in for Kavanagh in Laois line-up
Billy Sheehan will deputise for crocked Laois captain Gary Kavanagh in Sunday's Leinster SFC semi-final against reigning champions Dublin (Croke Park, throw-in 2.00pm).
Kavanagh sustained a knee injury whilst playing for his club Stradbally last Friday week. A quick recovery and the ruling out of any cruciate damage gave the talented half-forward hope for a start this weekend but manager Mick O'Dwyer has decided to keep him in reserve.
Kerry native Sheehan, who joined the Emo club outside Portlaoise in 2004, comes into the side at left half-forward having missed the quarter-final win over Carlow due to a groin strain.
The O'Moore men had eight points to spare when beating Carlow at home on June 4. The Dubs will have to keep a close eye on Laois' electric full-forward line of Donie Brennan, Paul Lawlor and Brian McDonald, who tallied up nine points between them against the Barrowsiders.
O'Dwyer has made no other changes with dual star Darren Rooney maintaining his run at right half-back despite a niggling hamstring injury.
Two late placed balls from Tomas Quinn saw Dublin pip Laois to the Leinster title last year in a 0-14 to 0-13 triumph. A young Laois side ended a 57-year wait when lifting the Delaney Cup in 2003, but frustratingly they have failed to build on that promise since.
LAOIS (SFC v Dublin) - F Byron; A Fennelly, C Ryan, P McMahon; D Rooney, T Kelly, J Higgins; P Clancy, N Garvan; R Munnelly, C Conway, B Sheehan; D Brennan, P Lawlor, B McDonald.
