Offaly's defence remains intact. The inclusion of Hubert Rigney and Kevin Martin in the side was the main news in the All-Ireland champions' team announcement for Sunday's Guinness All-Ireland hurling semi-final against Munster champions Cork.
Veteran Joe Dooley, a survivor of the counties' only previous championship meeting back in 1984, returns to the team after recovering from a dead leg sustained in the Leinster final defeat by Kilkenny.
Assuming Rigney and Martin are fully fit, the side is at full strength and features 13 of the side which started last September's All-Ireland against Kilkenny. Dooley's return is the only change from the selection which overwhelmed Antrim in last month's quarter-final.
Ever since there has been constant speculation about the fitness of Martin and Rigney, last year's captain, who received a bad blow to his shin which was originally feared to have resulted in a broken leg. The centre back has, however, recovered remarkably quickly and was able to do some light training during the week.
Martin was similarly diagnosed as having a more serious injury when it was thought he had lost the tip of his finger. In the end it required heavy stitching but the sutures were removed during the week and his inclusion had been expected. Rigney was more doubtful but according to county PRO Pat Teehan, his fitness level was satisfactory.
"The management felt they were going to know last night whether the players would be fit. Normally players are the worst in the world in these instances because they always think they'll be fine to play. But in this case it was easy to check. When Hubert said he was alright, it was just a matter of giving him a run and making a judgment.
"With hamstrings and other pulls, fellas always say they're holding back because they don't want to put pressure on the injury until the last moment."
The recovery of the pair is excellent news for Offaly. To lose two of their half-back line would have been a serious blow for a team with thin enough reserve cover - particularly in the most established line of the team. Since the All-Ireland final of 1994, Brian Whelahan, Rigney and Martin have constituted the team's first-choice half-back unit.
Joe Dooley's selection was also expected after he missed the Antrim match to ensure his recovery. He won't have happy memories of the All-Ireland clash with Cork in Thurles 15 years ago. In his first championship season, he was replaced before half-time.
Sunday's match will be all-ticket and tickets will be on sale at the shop on Jones's Road this morning and tomorrow morning. Tickets cost £20 for the stands and £10 for the terrace.
Long-serving Down football manager Peter McGrath was yesterday presented with the Ulster GAA writers' merit award for July. This was in recognition of his role in securing Down's surprise win over Tyrone in last month's Ulster football semi-final which was marked by a number of successful tactical switches and a stunning second-half revival.
Galway hurling was shocked to learn of the death of Mary Ryan, wife of hurling board chairman Michael Ryan. She fell ill last Monday while at home watching the All-Ireland quarter-final replay between Galway and Clare and passed away yesterday. She is survived by her husband and six children. The removal will be from the family home to St Colman's church Craughwell at seven o'clock this evening.
