News/ KILKENNY: Manager Brian Cody and his team of Mick O'Flynn, Martin Fogarty and former Laois football manager Michael Dempsey have decided to work off a squad of 30 players during the National League.

The large panel meant the selectors didn't have to make too many adjustments to the 31-strong one that did duty in last year's All-Ireland final defeat against Cork. Omitted were Walter Burke (Mullinavat), who has been part of the set-up since 2002; Pat Tennyson (Carrickshock), who has been there a year longer; Jamie Power (Carrickshock) and Brian Phelan (Clara), who both joined the squad last year. Paddy Mullally (Glenmore) and Eddie Mackey (Mooncoin) have stepped down because of work commitments.

Before Kilkenny departed for their holiday to Florida, five new players were added to the panel. They were Richie Power, John Tennyson (Carrickshock), Colin Herity (Dunnamaggin), Willie O'Dwyer (Mullinavat) and Eoin Larkin (James Stephens).

GALWAY: Pearse Stadium in Galway, under-used by the GAA since it was developed a couple of years at a cost of €12 million, has received a boost with two double-headers pencilled in.

Galway hurlers will open their National League campaign at the venue on February 20th, against Dublin, with the All-Ireland club football semi-final between Ballina Stephenites and Kilmurry-Ibrickane of Clare also taking place there.

And on Sunday, March 20th, supporters will get a rare chance to see both the county's footballers and hurlers in action on the same day. Peter Ford's footballers will take on Laois, while Munster champions Waterford will provide the opposition for the hurlers.

LIMERICK: Limerick manager Liam Kearns has left the door open to talented Newcastle West player Stephen Kelly to return to the senior panel.

Kelly told selectors he will not be available for the National League and Munster championship as he could not give his total commitment to the panel. Kelly will continue to lineout for his club.