Galway's team for the All-Ireland final shows four changes from the side which two years ago won the county's first title since 1966. The changes reflect the retirement of Tomas Mannion and injuries to Kevin Walsh and Jarlath Fallon. Walsh is on the bench and will be expected at the first signs of trouble at centrefield. The other change sees Paul Clancy start on the right wing after missing half of the 1998 campaign through injury.

The newcomer to the back six is Declan Meehan, but the Caltra player, who joins his brother on the right flank of the defence, is very experienced. He was a little unlucky to have lost his place as a half forward two years ago after he had come in for the injured Clancy. Originally a defender - he played centre back against Kerry in the All-Ireland minor final six years ago - Meehan reverted to defence for this season.

Joe Bergin has had an excellent debut championship at centrefield and the 19-year old has been ever present this campaign. Tommy Joyce, brother of captain Padraig, is another newcomer to the final whereas Clancy comes in for the player who replaced him in the 1998 final, Shay Walsh.

One note of interest amongst the substitutes is that David Tierney has been included. Last week it was believed that a calf-muscle injury would rule the player out of both yesterday's under-21 hurling final and next week's match. However, Tierney made an appearance at Thurles yesterday and is named on the replacements' panel.

All told Galway have used 25 players so far this championship. This compares with 20 used over six matches in 1998. Kerry's team is expected tomorrow or Wednesday.