Mayo will miss inspirationalcaptain Costello

MAYO will head into the championship fray in Markievicz Park this evening without their inspirational captain Fergal Costello.

Costello, injured eight minutes into his side's Connacht final clash with Galway, had an operation on his damaged eye socket on Wednesday and will be out of action for between six and eight weeks.

Manager John Maughan will therefore be without two of his first fifteen for tonight's qualifier clash with Fermanagh midfielder Fergal Kelly is currently serving a four week suspension for a red card received in the Connacht final.

However, on a more positive note, wing-back Gary Mullins and full-forward Brian Maloney have shrugged off injuries to make themselves available for selection for a Mayo team which will not be announced until just before the throw-in time of 7pm.

Meanwhile the GAA have confirmed that the presentation of the trophy to the Bank of Ireland Leinster Senior Football Champions will take place on the pitch at Croke Park after Sunday's provincial final.

The presentation will be made by Leinster Council Chairman Nicky Brennan on a stage that will be visible from all areas of the ground and the winning team will have an opportunity to perform a lap of honour in the stadium.

Patrons will not be permitted to enter the field when the game has ended and the GAA have asked supporters to co-operate with stewards in this regard to ensure the safety of players, match officials and of course the supporters themselves.

Croke Park Stadium Director Peter Mc Kenna acknowledged the tradition of supporters entering the field after major finals, but reiterated that the safety of the players and of patrons was of paramount importance to the Association and that the on-field presentation would allow spectators in all areas of the ground to enjoy the historic spectacle in comfort and safety.

The GAA have also announced that a limited number of terrace tickets for this evening's Guinness All Ireland Hurling Championship qualifier game between Wexford and Waterford at Nowlan Park will go on sale from 4.15pm this afternoon in Kilkenny.

The tickets can be purchased from mobile ticket outlets at the Texaco filling station on the Carlow Road and at the back of the Railway Station on the Hebron Road.

Tickets for tomorrow's Bank of Ireland Leinster football finals will be on sale from the Leinster Council offices in Portlaoise today from 11am to 4pm and tomorrow in Dublin from 11.30am at booths on the North Circular Road (opposite Gill's Pub) and Drumcondra Road (opposite Quinn's). Parking will be available in Clonliffe College.

RTÉ yesterday announced that they will transmit full deferred coverage of the All Ireland football qualifier Round 4 between Armagh and Limerick on The Sunday Game Live this weekend.

Coverage will follow the Leinster Football Final on Network 2.