Galway have dramatically postponed the announcement of their team for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final. The line-up was due to be released to the public last night but instead the selectors picked the team but decided not to announce it until today at lunch-time.

There was also confusion within the county when a crowd, believing that the team would be training there, turned up in Athenry to find the ground empty. It later emerged that the team was having a meeting at an unknown venue. Sources within the county were unsure as to why the delay had happened.

Speculation is that the selection has not been straightforward.

There are three places on the team causing a certain amount of agonising. At right corner back Gregory Kennedy started the last day but was sent off after half an hour. His place was taken by wing back Derek Hardiman with Fergal Healy dropping back from corner forward before being replaced by Brian Higgins.

The Athenry substitute had a storming second half, which must have pressed his claims for inclusion from the start this weekend.

Yet if he comes in, who goes? There will be reluctance to drop Hardiman who did everything necessary when filling in for Kennedy. And Kennedy himself is the first-choice in the position. Healy was ultimately sacrificed for Kennedy, as he was the forward chosen for withdrawal.

A very talented player, Healy hasn't always been consistent at the top level but were he to have a good day against Tipperary, Galway would be in a very strong position.

Darren Shaughnessy, who started against Derry in the quarter-final, is the likely replacement if Healy is dropped. But will he be dispensed with after a semi-final disrupted through no fault of his own?

Tipperary are expected to name their side on schedule tonight. The main question concerns how manager Nicky English will overcome the loss of the suspended Brian O'Meara.

One theory is that Eoin Kelly will switch from the corner with Eugene O'Neill coming in at corner forward - although another version says O'Neill will go full forward with Declan Ryan moving to the corner.

Another solution would be to name speedy corner forward Lar Corbett on the wing and yet another, to move Tommy Dunne to the wing and bring Conor Glesson or Aidan Butler in at centrefield.

Despite today's announcements, none of the above issues will really be resolved until Sunday when the teams line out at 3.30.