Fitzmaurice names Barry and O’Sullivan despite UCD tie

EAMONN FITZMAURICE is likely to face strong criticism should the Kerry boss play his selected team against Monaghan tomorrow (2.30) after naming UCD pair Jack Barry and Barry O’Sullivan to start.

The midfield duo played 100 minutes in UCD’s extra-time Sigerson Cup semi-final defeat of UUJ on Wednesday and both are expected to start for the Dublin college in today’s decider in Santry today (3.30 with extratime if necessary).

Given the recent injuries picked up other young Kingdom stars David Clifford, Gavin Crowley and Sean O’Shea – who were mixing college and county duties – it would be a major surprise should Barry and O’Sullivan be asked to play in Inniskeen less than 24 hours later.

Fitzmaurice has faced scrutiny in some quarters for his handling of college players in recent weeks and with potentially 230 minutes of football in less than five days, the talented pair are unlikely to take their places for senior side.

CRACKED

Elsewhere, Kilkenny boss Brian Cody has cracked the whip ahead of their do-or-die Division 1A trip to Walsh Park to play Waterford tomorrow with TJ Reid one of seven changes to the side.

Conor Delaney and Enda Morrissey come into the Cats’ defence while Conor O’Shea gets the nod at midfield. Martin Keoghan, Reid and Pat Lyng form a new half-forward line with Billy Ryan starting at corner-forward.

Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald has made two switches for his side’s Division 1A clash with Tipperary tonight (7.0) with defender Willie Devereux and pacy attacker David Dunne coming into the side as the Model men look to maintain their unbeaten record in 2018.

Clare also make two changes for their 1A meeting against Cork with half-back Mikey O’Malley and towering attacker Niall Deasy coming into the fold.

Elsewhere, All-Ireland champions Galway have retained Polish strength and conditioning coach Lukasz Kirszenstein for the next three years after fending off interest from Munster Rugby to secure his services.

In football, Colm Cavanagh is one of 14 Tyrone changes for their re-fixed McKenna Cup final against Donegal tonight (6.0).