OFFALY'S chances of overcoming Kilkenny in the Leinster hurling semi-final in Portlaoise on Sunday have been damaged by the loss of captain Kevin Brady and the continued absence of Joe Bergin.
Brady pulled his hamstring last weekend, but at least his defensive slot is filled by the returning Rory Hanniffy in a realigned half back line that sees veteran Ger Oakley on the 40. Ger Healion has recovered from a hand injury to take up the full forward role. Kilkenny will name their team on Friday night.
Galway football manager Liam Sammon must plan without injured duo Kieran Fitzgerald and Barry Cullinane for Sunday's Connacht semi-final against Leitrim.
Wexford have named three debutants - midfielder Colm Farrell and forwards David Redmond and Stephen Banville - and Michael Jacob in the unusual position of right half back for the Leinster hurling semi-final against Dublin on Saturday in Nowlan Park.
Mark McKeever returns from suspension for Cavan for Sunday's Ulster quarter-final against Armagh in Breffni Park.
OFFALY (SH v Kilkenny): B Mullins; D Franks, D Kenny, M Verney; D Horan, G Oakley, R Hanniffy; J Rigney, C Mahon; B Murphy, P Cleary, D Molloy; B Carroll, G Healion, D Hayden.
GALWAY (SF v Leitrim): P Doherty; G Bradshaw, F Hanley, D Burke; D Meehan, N Coyne, G Sice; N Coleman, M Lydon; P Conroy, P Joyce, N Joyce; M Clancy, M Meehan, F Breathnach.
CAVAN (SF v Armagh): J Reilly; M Hannon, R Dunne, P O'Reilly; B Watters, A Forde, M Cahill; M McDonald, D McCabe; M Reilly, M McKeever, C Mackey; S Johnston, R Flanagan, J O'Reilly.
WEXFORD (SH v Dublin): D Fitzhenry; M Travers, K Rossiter, P Roche; M Jacob, D O'Connor, D Stamp; MJ Furlong, C Farrell; PJ Nolan, E Quigley, D Lyng; D Redmond, S Banville, R Jacob (capt).
