Waterford Team to play Dublin

The Waterford team to play Dublin in the opening round of the National League was named last night and makes for very interesting reading. There are several players coming in for their National League debuts, including the Mahony brothers from Ballygunner who are named at midfield (Philip) and wing-forward (Pauric) respectively. It is very interesting to note that the only other Ballygunner player named in the first fifteen, Shane O'Sullivan is an uncle of the Mahony's. O'Sullivan will partner his nephew, Philip at midfield.
Shane Fives who has been on the panel for a couple of seasons gets a chance to stake a claim for a more permanent place, gets his opportunity at right-half back. In keeping with the family theme, Shane's younger brother, Darragh makes his debut at corner-back behind him.
Clinton Hennessy retains the goalkeeping jersey while after an impressive Waterford Crystal Cup campaign, Jerome Maher holds on to the number 3 jersey, with regular incumbent, Liam Lawlor out with a knee injury.
After playing a starring role during the successful Waterford Crystal Cup campaign, Richie Foley lines out at centre-forward while Tomás Ryan returns after missing a large chunk lf last year with an ankle injury.
However, the list of players who are unavailable for Waterford reads like a veritabel who's who of Waterford hurling with, Ken McGrath, Eoin McGrath, Maurice Shanahan, Tony Browne, Kevin Moran and John Mullane all unavailable for one reason or another. Ken McGrath is listed amongst the substitutes and may well be used if needed.
The full team is as follows;
1. Clinton Hennessy (Ardmore)
2. Darragh Fives (Tourin)
3. Jerome Maher (Geraldines)
4. Noel Connors (Passage)
5. Shane Fives (Tourin)
6. Michael Walsh (Stradbally)
7. Jamie Nagle (Dungarvan)
8. Shane O'Sullivan (Ballygunner)
9. Philip Mahony (Ballygunner)
10. Stephen Molumphy (Ballyduff Upper)
11. Richie Foley (Abbeyside)
12. Pauric Mahony (Ballygunner)
13. Shane Casey (Dunhill)
14. Seamus Prendergast (Ardmore)
15. Tomas Ryan (Tallow)