Two league debutants on Tipperary football team announced for Allianz League opener with Down

Conor Sweeney, who never leaves anything on the field, will once again captain Tipperary for this year's Allianz Football League.

placeholder image — Conor Sweeney, who never leaves anything on the field, will once again captain Tipperary for this year's Allianz Football League.

The Tipperary team to face Down in the opening round of the Allianz Football League tomorrow evening (Saturday) has been announced.

If David Power's team lines out as selected it will see league debuts for Dean Carew (Upperchurch/Drombane) at corner-back and Mark Stokes (Kilsheelan/Kilcash) at wing-forward.

Luke Boland (Moyle Rovers) and Jack Kennedy are paired to start at midfield.

In the forwards the experiment that Tipperary have been trying in their two McGrath Cup games with Steven O'Brien (Ballina) at full-forward, supported by Conor Sweeney (Ballyporeen) and Sean O'Connor (Clonmel Commercials) in the corner positions looks set to continue.

Shane O'Connell (Golden/Kilfeacle), the only player who played every minute of all eight games in last year's campaign, is selected at corner-back for this opening encounter of the seven-game league campaign.

Conor Sweeney captains the side once again.

Having had two draws and one defeat in the last three opening games in the league, Tipperary will be hoping to get off to a winning start against Down. Throw-in at Semple Stadium is a 6 pm.

The Tipperary team announced is as follows

Michael O'Reilly Clonmel Commercials

Shane O'Connell Golden Kilfeacle

Jimmy Feehan Killenaule

Dean Carew Upperchurch Drombane

Kevin Fahey Clonmel Commercials

Colm O'Shaughnessy Ardfinnan

Emmet Moloney Drom & Inch

Luke Boland Moyle Rovers

Jack Kennedy Clonmel Commercials

Mark Stokes Kilsheelan Kilcash

Mikey O'Shea CJ Kickhams Mullinahone