Allstars hurlers jet off for holiday in US

FOUR years on from the resumption of Allstar tours, the GAA readily acknowledge their significance in terms of recognising the achievements of the top players and boosting the image of the association abroad.

Since Vodafone expanded their sponsorship of the Allstars to re-introduce tours abroad which were first organised in 1972, teams have been taken to Dubai, Argentina and the West Coast of America. Today, the 2002 and 2003 hurling Allstars head off to the US for a week’s holiday.

“The whole concept of having a tour for the Allstars and recognising what they have done, is a very important one,” said GAA Director-General Liam Mulvihill.

“It has been difficult in recent years because of the amount of individual counties that have their own trips organised, but two aspects of that have been very significant.

“First of all the vast majority of the players attempt to make it their business to have their county tours organised in such a way that it does not cut across the Allstars trip. Secondly, for the players who are not lucky enough to have a trip, the Allstars is a major opportunity and is very much appreciated. The other aspect that is under-valued and not fully understood is that it’s a great opportunity for players who are selected as replacements for the tour.

“And, many of those would be players who would not have had an opportunity of a trip with their own county nor would they have many opportunities of socialising with their fellow players from other counties,” he added.

Kerry and Munster champions, An Ghaeltacht will be without Fergal Ó Sé and JJ Corduff for their All-Ireland Club semi-final against St Bridget’s in Thurles, while county star Marc Ó Sé is rated doubtful for the February tie.

Corduff sustained a broken bone in his hand while team trainer Fergal Ó Sé was red carded in a West Kerry championship game and his suspension begins on February 1.

Brother Marc has aggravated an ankle injury and will miss Kerry’s games against Longford and Cork in the Allianz NFL. However he’s confident of starting against the Dublin champions.

Mickey Harte’s search for fresh talent continues, with a handful of newcomers handed a first Tyrone start for tonight’s Dr McKenna Cup clash with UUJ.

TYRONE v UUJ: P McConnell, S Sweeney, C Gormley, M McGee, C Gourley, G Devlin., B Donnelly, K Hughes, C Holmes, M Coleman, B McGuigan, B Collins, C McCullagh, G Cavlan, S Mulgrew.