Kilkenny will be without the services of D J Carey when they meet Laois in the second round of the National Hurling League on Sunday. Carey has been sidelined with a shoulder injury although it is not regarded as serious and won't keep him out long-term.
In addition to the forced withdrawal of Carey, who scored 1-3 when Kilkenny defeated All-Ireland champions Cork by four points in last Sunday's first round, manager Brian Cody has made two other changes.
Michael Kavanagh retains the centre back position which he filled when he took over from Eamon Kennedy at half-time last weekend, while John Paul Corcoran comes into the half-forward line and Niall Moloney takes over at corner forward. John Phelan and Kennedy are named as substitutes.
Tipperary, who open their league campaign with a home clash against Derry, will be without the injured Liam Cahill (knee) and Brian O'Meara (toe), with Jerry McGuire also out due to back trouble.
Clare make a number of changes for their meeting with Galway at Milltown Malbay - a replay of their All-Ireland quarter-final meeting.
Gordon Malone and Tony Griffin, who came ion a s substitutes in last weekend's win over Kerry, retain their places while Ger O'Connell also keeps his position in goal as Davy FitzGerald s still unavailable, as is corner back Frank Lohan.
Meanwhile, as expected Mayo women's football manager John Mullin resigned at last night's county board a. g. m. in Castlebar. Following a fall-out between the team management and the Mayo women's board, Mullin voiced his "extreme unhappiness" with certain officials within the county board.
Kilkenny (SH v Laois): J McGarry; J Butler, S Meally, N Hickey; M Kavanagh, P Barry, R Moore; A Comerford, P Mullally; J P Corcoran, J Power, B McEvoy; K Power, H Shefflin, N Moloney.
Kerry (SH v Dublin): E Thornton; M Hanafin, C Lyons, M Carroll; T Cronin, M McCarthy, A Keane; W J Leen, P Cronin; M Slattery, J J Canty, I Brick; D Slattery, P Cronin, J M Dooley.
