Roanmore shot stopper Billy Nolan will make his league debut for the Waterford hurlers against Offaly on Sunday. The WIT student has previously hurled for the Déise minors and under 21s and gets his opportunity between the posts in the absence of All Star keeper Stephen O'Keeffe. Nolan produced a sensational last-gasp save in the Munster minor semi final against Clare in 2014.
There's also a first start for Abbeyside's Conor Prunty at number five while Shane Bennett returns to the attack after missing the 2018 league and championship. Michael Walsh begins his seventeenth inter county season in the half back line.
Conor Gleeson, Darragh Lyons, Jamie Barron and Patrick Curran are all unavailable to new boss Paraic Fanning due to injury while the Ballygunner contingent are preparing for the All Ireland club semi final against Ballyhale Shamrocks.
1. Billy Nolan (Roanmore)
2. Shane Fives (Tourin)
3. Shane McNulty (De La Salle)
4. Noel Connors (Passage) Captain
5. Conor Prunty (Abbeyside)
6. Tadhg de Burca (Clashmore / Kinsalebeg)
7. Michael Walsh (Stradbally)
8. Kevin Moran (De La Salle)
9. Mikey Kearney (Ballyduff Upper)
10. D.J. Foran (Portlaw)
11. Mark O’Brien (Ferrybank)
12. Shane Bennett (Ballysaggart)
13. Thomas Ryan (Tallow)
14. Stephen Bennett (Ballysaggart)
15. Brian O’Halloran (Clashmore / Kinsalebeg)
Former All-Ireland winner with Offaly, Michael Duignan joined us on this afternoon's 'On The Ball' to preview tomorrow's action in Thurles, listen back on the below link:
https://soundcloud.com/wlrfmwaterford/michael-duignan-offaly-hurling-legend-on-the-ball-saturday-jan-26th
