News: The new Limerick hurling management has been boosted with the news that Peter Lawlor has agreed to return to the county panel and will attend this evening's first training session.

Lawlor, who was man of the match when Limerick succumbed to Kilkenny in the 2005 All-Ireland quarter-final, took all by surprise when he opted out of this year's panel, citing personal reasons.

Manager Richie Bennis and his selectors were impressed with the former under-21 star's performances for his club, Croom, in the county senior hurling championship this season and wasted no time in inviting him back to the fold.

Board secretary James Hartigan last night confirmed the talented half-back/midfielder was back in contention for a place.

Bennis has said he has no worries about taking on Tipperary in the semi-final of the 2007 Munster hurling championship. "We have one match to win to reach the final - the incentive is certainly there."

Limerick will have home advantage in the championship for their meeting with Tipperary.

Meanwhile, outgoing Antrim hurling manager Jim McKernan - who intends to fight to retain his position at the helm - has added Loughgiel clubman Mick O'Connell to his backroom team.

McKernan is attempting to resist competition for the manager's job from the joint duo of Terence McNaughton and Dominic McKinley. Interviews for the Antrim post are expected to take place next week.

Speculation is growing that the Armagh senior hurlers may be included in the draw for the 2007 Ulster senior hurling championship. The Armagh hurlers have expressed a desire to compete in the provincial competition for the first time in 60 years.

Finally, Gerry Murphy is the new manager of the Monaghan senior and under-21 hurling teams.