GAELIC GAMES: Peter Canavan is back on the Tyrone team to face Dublin in tomorrow's All-Ireland quarter-final replay at Croke Park. The veteran forward starts a match for his county for the first time since the drawn Ulster final against Armagh last month.Seán Moran reports
In the meantime, a rib injury has restricted his appearances to coming on as a replacement in the fixtures against Armagh, Sligo and Dublin. But his appearance in the drawn match two weeks ago coincided with Tyrone's drive for the finish, including the goal of the season to date, scored by Owen Mulligan.
Although manager Mickey Harte makes six positional switches there are only two changes in personnel. Harte has bitten the bullet in relation to the tactical re-shuffle that helped turn around the drawn match, which Tyrone were losing by five points at half-time.
Principally this involved moving Conor Gormley from centrefield back into defence. Gormley's switch to centre back helped rein in the influence of Dublin's Alan Brogan and tightened up the defence in general.
The player hasn't shone as brightly in the middle as he routinely does at the back and the selection strengthens the team.
Gavin Devlin, centre back in the All-Ireland win of two years ago, loses out in this adjustment, with Enda McGinley dropping back to centrefield where he played so well in the drawn match. McGinley's place in the corner is filled by Canavan's return.
The other change is made at the back where Michael McGee replaces Shane Sweeney in a straight switch. Sweeney has had a reasonably good year, but struggled in the drawn match on Jason Sherlock before switching with Ryan McMenamin. McGee made a brief appearance in the match, coming on as an injury-time replacement for David Harte.
One player who will be disappointed not to be selected is Joe McMahon who came on at half-time to help steady midfield where Dublin's Ciarán Whelan had cleaned up in the first half.
A combination of tactical kick-outs and some tighter marking by McMahon disrupted Dublin's advantage in the area, but the replacement, who was fighting flu during the week, but had been cleared fit to play, misses out.
Meanwhile, the GAA have asked supporters attending Saturday's match to note the earlier starting time of 2.30pm. It will be preceded by the All-Ireland women's football championship quarter-final between the same counties at 12.45pm.
Those attending are also asked to note that, due to a concert in Phoenix Park and normal Saturday levels, traffic in the general Croke Park area is expected to be heavier than normal. Supporters are asked to arrive at the stiles in plenty of time to allow for comfortable access to the stadium.
The GAA's call has been echoed by John O'Leary manager of the Dublin women's team: "We really need the support and the more people there the better. This is going to be a tough game for us, as we try get back to an All-Ireland final. I am calling on the Dublin fans to make an effort and leave the pub that little bit earlier and to get into Croke Park to support us."
• In Limerick, the death has occurred of Des McDonnell, manager of the county senior football team in the late 1970s and early '80s. Limerick will play Tipperary this Sunday in a repeat of the 2004 Masters hurling final, at Hospital. The second semi-final, between Galway and Kerry, is billed for Clarina, Co Limerick, also on Sunday.
TYRONE (SF v Dublin): P McConnell; R McMenamin, C Lawn, M McGee; D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan; E McGinley, S Cavanagh; B Dooher, B McGuigan, R Mellon; P Canavan, S O'Neill, O Mulligan.
