Farrell’s dramatic return for Dubs
The news is a huge fillip to Paul Caffrey and his squad ahead of the provincial decider. Further good news has come in the shape of midfielder Darren Magee, who has decided against a trip to the US and who is now expected to rejoin the squad at the weekend.
Farrell damaged knee cruciate ligaments during the All-Ireland qualifier against Roscommon last August, prompting speculation that his 12-year inter-county career was finally at an end.
However, having undergone surgery on the injury late last year, he has since undergone a rigorous rehabilitation programme under Tallaght specialist Alan Kelly, who also helped nurse Laois’ Brian McDonald back to fitness from his broken leg.
Farrell’s determination was finally rewarded earlier this month when he lined out for his club in a league match and he took a full part in the Dublin senior’s training session on Tuesday night.
Continuing the stream of favourable news in the capital is the fact that panellist David Henry has also returned to the set-up after the Raheny man broke an arm playing an intermediate club hurling match at the end of March.
Both All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and reigning provincial title-holders Wexford have delayed the selection of their sides for next Sunday’s Guinness Leinster SHC final at Croke Park.
Kilkenny have injury doubts surrounding Derek Lyng, Martin Comerford and Ritchie Power, while Wexford are concerned about the fitness of Mitch Jordan.
Midfielder Lyng is carrying a knee injury; wing forward Comerford is troubled by a groin strain, while corner forward Power limped off Nowlan Park after sustaining a leg injury last night.
Jordan has a groin injury and the Wexford team will not be revealed until tonight after the squad goes through its paces.
Dual player Conor Fitzgerald comes into the Limerick attack in place of Pat Tobin for Saturday’s visit to Laois in the All-Ireland senior hurling qualifiers.
Midfielder David Sweeney is a doubtful starter for Dublin because of a hamstring injury for Saturday’s hurling qualifier with Waterford at Walsh Park. Kevin Foley and Eoin Barry have been unable to train since Tuesday night because of flu. Both teams are expected to be announced tonight.
Kevin Broderick and Eugene Cloonan have been ruled out of the Galway team to play Antrim in their All-Ireland hurling qualifier at Pearse Stadium on Saturday but Liam Hodgins is in line for selection after missing a number of games in the League.
For their All-Ireland football qualifier with Louth at Drogheda on Saturday Roscommon have named the same team that lost to Mayo in the Connacht semi final a fortnight ago.
: T. Houlihan; D. Reale, S. Lucey, P. O’Dwyer; O. Moran, B. Geary, P. Lawlor; D. O’Grady, P. O’Grady; C. Fitzgerald, N. Moran. A. O’Shaughnessy; D. Ryan, T. J. Ryan, D. Sheehan.
: S. Curran; B. McNeelan, J. Whyte, S. McDermott; M. Ryan, D. Casey, J. Rogers; S. O’Neill, B. Higgins; K. Mannion, F. Grehan, E. Kenny; G. Cox, S. Lohan, G. Heneghan.
