Sport

Monaghan four set for baptism of fire in Clones

MONAGHAN have called up four newcomers to championship football for their Ulster championship match against Derry in Clones on…

By SEAN KILFEATHER
Wed May 28 1997 - 01:00

MONAGHAN have called up four newcomers to championship football for their Ulster championship match against Derry in Clones on Sunday. They include goalkeeper Glen Murphy, who has been impressive in matches played in preparation for this crucial fixture.

Monaghan do not have a very convincing record against Derry in championship fare. Over a period of 50 years Derry have won seven of the 10 meetings between the sides. However, Monaghan have recorded all three of their victories on the Clones pitch, including their meeting in the Ulster final there in 1985 when they won 2-9 to 0-8. The winners of Sunday's clash will meet either Armagh or Tyrone in the next round.

Apart from Murphy, the other newcomers in the Monaghan side are all in attack. They are Mark Daly, who is given the leadership of the forward line, Dermot McArdle, who will play on the left wing, and Donal McKernan, who will figure in the left corner forward position.

Carlow, who meet Louth in the Leinster championship, can make history if they win. They have lost all eight of their last meetings since 1950. Six Eire Og players are included in the side which should help in regard to team-work. They are Johnny Murphy, Brendan Hayden, Jodie Morrissey, Willie Quigley, Colm Hayden and Anthony Keating.

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Carlow will have four newcomers to championship football: goalkeeper Pat Doran, full back Andrew Corden, and forwards James O'Toole and Pat Nolan.

Meanwhile, the Limerick hurling selectors have left out eight of their championship side for their National League match against Offaly in Birr on Sunday - but they include Ciaran Carey, who came off the bench in last Sunday's championship clash against Waterford in Thurles.

Rested are Dave Clarke, Mike Nash, Gary Kirby, Mike Houlihan, Mark Foley, Mike Galligan, Barry Foley and T J Ryan. Limerick beat Waterford by 2-20 to 1-17.

Clare have also announced a highly experimental team for the National League match against All-Ireland champions. Wexford at Ennis. This is clearly in expectation of a more important fixture against Cork in the Munster championship on Sunday week.

Meanwhile, dual star Brendan Cummins is included in Tipperary's team to play Waterford in the Munster senior football championship on Sunday.