Published: Friday, 18th June, 2010 3:13pm

Offaly delay naming team as Galway make two changes

by Kieran Galvin

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Offaly hurling manager Joe Dooley has decided to delay naming his team for Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Galway due to injury concerns over James Rigney and Derek Molloy.

At the time of going to print, the Offaly team for the Croke Park clash was not expected to be named until tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Defender Rigney has emerged as a doubt with a groin injury, while attacker Molloy is recovering from an ankle problem.

Both players missed Offaly's 3-22 to 0-16 challenge match defeat to Cork last Sunday and the Offaly management will give them every opportunity to prove their fitness for the showdown against Galway.

Both Rigney and Molloy (who was sent off on two yellow cards in the quarter-final against Antrim) would be significant losses for the clash with Galway.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed that James will be okay," said Dooley. "But I'd say it will be very touch-and-go for Derek to make the match. He was on crutches for a few days, and while he's able to put a bit of weight on his ankle now, the injury is still a bit slow in coming around."

Sunday's clash between Offaly and the NHL Division 1 champions is set to throw in at 4pm. It will be preceded by the other semi-final between All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and Dublin (2pm).

Meanwhile, Galway manager and former Offaly boss John McIntyre has drafted Aonghus Callanan and Iarla Tannian into the Galway attack for the Leinster semi-final against Offaly at Croke Park.

Callanan is named at left half-forward in place of Portumna clubman Andy Smith, who is ruled out through suspension after receiving a straight red card in the quarter-final win over Wexford.

The other change sees Tannian replace Joe Gantley at top of the left. Both Callanan and Tannian saw action off the bench against Wexford.

Galway (SH v Offaly): C Callanan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning; D Barry, T Og Regan, D Collins; G Farragher, D Burke; D Hayes, C Donnellan, A Callanan; A Harte, J Canning, I Tannian.