Tipp team to face Antrim announced

6 changes from the starting line-up that lost to Limerick

By Shane Brophy

The Tipperary team to face Antrim in their final group game of the National Hurling League Division 1B at Corrigan Park, Belfast on Saturday has been announced.

It shows six changes from the 0-26 to 3-16 defeat to Limerick last Saturday night, a result which leaves Tipperary relying on a favour from the Shannonsiders to reach a semi-final as should Galway defeat the All-Ireland champions in the final round in Salthill (Limerick have conceded home advantage as the TUS Gaelic Grounds pitch is still not ready following remedial work) this Saturday, Tipp would likely miss out on score difference in a three-way tie, bar they record a win of over thirty points in Belfast.

It was confirmed by Croke Park that the three-way tie rule between the impacted teams only which was implemented in Tipperary club championship last year at intermediate level, including Cahill’s native Ballingarry, is for club only, whereas for the National League, results from all games are taken into equation.

“I know we’ll be depending on results now to see whether we make the last four or not, but it’s been a very decent League for us so far,” Cahill added.

In terms of the team, Rhys Shelly returns in goal for this third game of the campaign while Danny Slattery becomes the latest player to made a debut at corner back.

Bryan O'Mara comes into the half-back line for the injured Seamus Kennedy while Robert Byrne returns at centre back.

The two other changes come in the forward line with Noel McGrath and Sean Ryan starting in place of Alan Tynan and John McGrath.