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Team Talk

It's D-Day (again): Galway name team for relegation replay

Iarla Tannian returns as one of three changes in the Galway hurling side to face Dublin on Saturday.

THE GALWAY HURLERS have announced three changes to their starting line-up ahead of Saturday’s make-or-break Division 1A relegation replay against Dublin.

Anthony Cunningham has recalled Iarla Tannian to midfield where he partners David Burke. Tannian started last Sunday’s drawn game on the bench but impressed when given his chance as a half-time substitute for Barry Daly, who he replaces.

Ger O’Halloran misses out after handing the 13-man Dubs what could have been a decisive penalty in extra-time and he’s replaced at corner back by Johnny Coen.

At wing-forward, Andy Smith gets the nod over Conor Cooney while Joe Canning starts again at full-forward. Canning missed out on the entire league season with a shoulder injury but recovered in time to sneak into the starting XV last Sunday, scoring six points from play and an additional six from frees.

Dublin are yet to name their team, which may yet include All-Star midfielder Alan McCrabbe. McCrabbe was shown a straight red card in extra-time last week but has appealed the decision to the Central Hearings Commission (CHC).

Ryan O’Dwyer, who was also sent off in extra-time, has decided not to appeal his suspension. As it was O’Dwyer’s second sending off in 48 weeks, he will miss Dublin’s Leinster Championship opener against Laois or Carlow on 2 June as well as Sunday’s replay.

Galway (SH v Dublin): Fergal Flannery; Kevin Hynes, David Collins, Johnny Coen; Niall Donoghue, Fergal Moore, Tony Og Regan; David Burke, Iarla Tannian; Andy Smith, Niall Burke, Cyril Donnellan; Damien Hayes, Joe Canning, Davy Glennon.

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