Hiney sets sights on Dublin return

DUBLIN defender Stephen Hiney is bidding to overcome a serious eye injury and return to hurling.

The Ballyboden St Enda’s dual player suffered from fluid behind the retina in both eyes and underwent surgery last October.

Hiney, who played a key role at full-back in helping Dublin escape relegation to the Christy Ring Cup last summer, was told by doctors he should never play contact sport again.

The player, who won an interprovincial medal with Leinster in 2003, admitted afterwards his chances of playing again were “slim” but it is now believed he will seek further medical opinion in March or April when he returns from a round-the-world trip.

“He just doesn’t know what the situation is yet because he’s on this trip that he’s had planned since he finished college last year,” said Ballyboden secretary Paddy Walsh yesterday. “When he returns I think he plans to consult his own doctors and other experts as well. It would be a shame if he was forced to retire because he’s a very good player and a lovely fella as well.”

Meanwhile, Antrim continue their search for a new hurling manager after Willie Carley turned down the post.

Carley this week resigned as Wicklow hurling manager claiming: “I had the full support of the players I was not happy with stuff going on behind my back.”

Carley met with Antrim officials but has decided against following Dinny Cahill up north.

In Wexford, dual star Redmond Barry is set to give a commitment to the county’s footballers this year. Barry, who played both senior hurling and football last season, has informed new manager Paul Bealin of his decision.

Bealin said: “Redmond has told me he’s giving full commitment to football and will only play the odd hurling game. It’s a great boost for the footballers.”

In Ulster, Fermanagh forward Stephen Maguire has opted out of inter-county football because of work commitments. Erne county boss Charlie Mulgrew says he was aware that the Belcoo clubman would not be available in 2006.

“I’ve known for a while that Stephen wouldn’t be interested this year,” said Mulgrew.

“We’ve talked about it and it’s all sorted. That’s the way it is. That’s the situation and we can do no more about it I suppose.”

Fermanagh begin their Dr McKenna Cup campaign with a trip to Cavan on Sunday.

Kildare manager John Crofton has named an experimental team for Sunday’s O’Byrne Cup game against Longford at Newbridge. A number of last year’s U21 team which lost to Dublin in the provincial decider are given a chance - among them goalkeeper Tom Corley (Moorefield), defenders Mark Hogarty (Allenwood) & James Lonergan (Moorefield) midfielder Hugh Lynch (Confey) and St Laurences’ forward Tommy O’Neill.

KILDARE SF (v Longford): T Corley; M Hogarty, K O’Neill, J Lonergan; P Mullarkey, E Noons, D Lyons; H Lynch, K Brennan; D Jordan, D McCormack, T O’Neill; M Fitzharris, P Hurley, E Callaghan.