Kerry and Limerick name unchanged teams as key players return
Kerry and Limerick name unchanged teams ahead of this weekend’s GAA showdowns, with both counties sticking closely to their previous lineups while also welcoming back influential players. Kerry boss Jack O’Connor has made five changes to the team that was stunned by Meath in the group stage clash in Tullamore. That unexpected defeat has forced the Kingdom into a preliminary quarter-final against Cavan at Fitzgerald Stadium.
ICYMI: Kerry welcome back Seán O’Shea and Paudie Clifford, Limerick retain same team.
In a major boost, Seán O’Shea is back in the starting XV, while Paudie Clifford returns to the squad after recovering from injury. Diarmuid O’Connor joins O’Shea in the half-forward line, replacing Micheál Burns and Tony Brosnan — the latter missing out on the entire matchday panel. Sean O’Brien steps into midfield in place of Mark O’Shea, while Brian Ó Beaglaoich replaces Tadhg Morley in the half-back line. Conor Geaney is named at full-forward, with Killian Spillane moving to the bench. David Clifford keeps his place, and although Paudie Clifford isn’t starting, his return to the squad is a positive sign. Meanwhile, Paul Geaney is still out after getting injured in the Cork match.
The last time Kerry and Cavan met in the championship was the 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final, where Kerry won by six points. Cavan hasn’t beaten Kerry in a championship fixture since the iconic 1947 final held in New York.
Galway welcome back Comer as they tweak lineup for Down clash
Galway have also announced their team for the preliminary quarter-final against Down, with Damien Comer returning to the bench after missing the narrow win over Armagh due to injury. There are two changes to the starting XV — Paul Conroy comes into midfield after an impactful second half last week, with Peter Cooke dropping to the bench. In defense, Cian Hernon replaces Jack Glynn at wing-back, while Liam Silke returns at corner-back.
Limerick stay consistent despite Munster final loss
Limerick have opted not to make changes to their team following their heartbreaking Munster final loss to Cork on penalties. John Kiely keeps faith in the starting XV, though Shane O’Brien — who scored 1-02 from the bench — is not included in the squad. On the other side, Dublin have adjusted their lineup. Andrew Dunphy replaces Paddy Dunleavy in defense, and Conor Burke — who was a late scratch last week — starts this time around. Dónal Burke stays on the bench, and Danny Sutcliffe remains unavailable.
