Donaghy returns from suspension for Kerry

Footballer of the year Kieran Donaghy returns from suspension to line out at full forward as National Football League holders…

Footballer of the year Kieran Donaghy returns from suspension to line out at full forward as National Football League holders Kerry head to Letterkenny for this weekend's big match against Division One A leaders Donegal.

It is a strong Kerry team although not yet at full strength with the Dr Crokes players still preparing for the club final replay against Crossmaglen. Tomás Ó Sé is also back, from injury, and comes in for Brendan Guiney at right wing back with Pádraig Reidy replacing Rónán Ó Flatharta on the other flank.

The other two changes see leading scorer Bryan Sheehan return with Donaghy in attack. Eamon Fitzmaurice, injured the last day against Limerick, and Ronan Hussey, the captain in Sheehan's absence, make way.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte makes more changes for Sunday's match against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds. Having made seven changes after the defeat by Cork three weeks ago, Harte makes another five after the loss to Donegal. A welcome addition is the returned Joe McMahon, recovered after a groin injury, who is named at full back in place of the injured Cormac McGinley.McMahon's brother Justin lines out at wing back as an indirect replacement for Mickey McGee.

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There are three changes in attack with Ryan Mellon, Kevin Hughes and Niall Gormley starting and Stephen O'Neill moves to the 40 to let Hughes start on the edge of the square.

Meanwhile, Derry show three changes from the side that beat Armagh. Shane O'Kane and Paul O'Hea replace goalkeeper Barry Gillis and wing back Paul Carton who hasn't recovered from a dislocated shoulder. Up front they welcome back Paddy Bradley, who takes over from Mark Lynch.

Opponents Laois make one enforced change with Kevin Fitzpatrick replacing Tom Kelly in defence. Kelly's hamstring injury hasn't cleared up in time.

Armagh, missing the Crossmaglen players, give returned veteran Diarmuid Marsden his first start. He is named at full forward instead of Malachy Mackin in a side showing changes from the lack-lustre defeat by Derry.

Manager Joe Kernan makes five changes. The other four see the selection of JP Donnelly, Gareth Swift, Philip Loughran and Martin O'Rourke in place of Tom McClelland, James Lavery, Charlie Vernon and Paul Keenan.

Wicklow will be resubmitting the transfer application for Thomas Walsh. It is the third time the county has tried to get the procedural requirements in order for the acquisition of the former Carlow player.

Wexford hurlers make two changes for their league match against Cork. Declan Ruth and Darren Stamp return with David O'Connor dropped and Ruth slotted into the full-back position. Stamp comes in for Stephen Nolan at centrefield.

Seán Moran

Seán Moran

Seán Moran is GAA Correspondent of The Irish Times