Morgan faces race against time

CORK boss Billy Morgan faces a race against the clock, quite literally, to make tomorrow's McGrath Cup final 3pm throw-in time.

Morgan is set to appear as a guest at a gala evening in Kells, Co Meath this evening at the Headfort Arms Hotel. The fundraising event has been organised by the local Gael Colmcille club with players and mentors from the Cork and Meath teams of the 1980s set to be in attendance.

Morgan was, of course, in charge of Cork back then and will fly up to Dublin Airport this evening before making his way down to Kells. It's the return leg of his journey tomorrow morning that will be causing him most concern, however. Morgan must make the 40-mile trip back to the airport, fly to Cork and make his way to Páirc Uí Rinn in time for their clash with Kerry.

Noel O'Leary returns to the Cork side for tomorrow's clash. The Cill na Martra man has been out of action since playing in the county final with Muskerry because of a knee injury.

But according to Morgan he will get a run-out tomorrow in what will be the first of two meetings between these great rivals in quick succession.

"When Cork and Kerry qualified for the final, I requested that we play the upcoming league game on February 11 for the cup also, but with several players on both teams having played in the McGrath Cup with third level teams, that was never a runner," said Morgan.

"While both teams will be anxious for the victory, the likelihood is that they will be very much under-strength because of outside factors."

Cork will be without their Nemo contingent as they are busily involved preparing for their All-Ireland Club semi-final, while Carbery Rangers' involvement in the All-Ireland Club intermediate semi-final tomorrow rules out Kevin McMahon and John Hayes.

"Nemo play Dr Crokes in the Munster league final in Killarney this afternoon and that could well mean that Colm Cooper and Eoin Brosnan won't start with Kerry tomorrow," he added.

Cork had by far the tougher semi-final and did well to beat Limerick on home soil by five points (1-10 to 0-8) despite being well under-strength.

Anthony Lynch returned for his first game in months and will also be in action tomorrow. Kevin O'Sullivan showed his prowess from frees with six points, while two of last year's All-Ireland junior-winning team, captain Michael Prout and Ger Spillane, continue to add to their growing reputations with excellent displays at corner and centre back respectively.

Defensively, Kerry were excellent at UCC in their semi-final with Eamon Fitzmaurice and Marc Ó Sé the dominant pair. Tomás Ó Sé is likely to start on this occasion, making it harder for the Cork forwards to score. Kieran Donaghy is likely to be given another chance at midfield where he did well against the Cork students, while Darren O'Sullivan and Adrian O'Connor should again figure in attack along with Declan O'Sullivan.