Shoulder injury makes Gourley a doubtful Tyrone starter

TYRONE defender Ciaran Gourley is doubtful for the All-Ireland football final, after damaging a shoulder in training. There were fears the corner-back had dislocated the shoulder, but manager Mickey Harte yesterday issued more encouraging information.

“He went down on the shoulder and it looked nasty at the time. We were wary that it might be dislocated, but that appears not to be the case. However, there may be some damage around the shoulder area which may need treatment. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that he’ll make it.”

Should Gourley fail to recover for the clash with champions Armagh on Sunday week, Tyrone have numerous options and ample experience in reserve. Colin Holmes, Dermot Carlin, Brian Robinson and Chris Lawn are all capable of playing at corner-back.

Meanwhile, Armagh’s John McEntee looks set to escape an All-Ireland final ban after Tuesday night's meeting of the GAC chose to ignore the matter. Joe Kernan’s men had feared that the GAC would use video evidence to hand down a suspension on McEntee, after TV cameras apparently showed him elbowing Donegal’s Barry Monaghan towards the end of their All-Ireland semi-final.

The GAC used video evidence to suspend Tyrone’s Gavin Devlin for three months, after he was caught stamping in Laois' Colm Parkinson during the league final earlier this year. Armagh had feared McEntee would face similar punishment, but it now looks like the centre-forward will face no further penalty.

Elsewhere, Michael Duignan has resigned as manager of the Meath senior hurling team. The former Offaly star was appointed Royal boss in December 2001, and his resignation is a huge blow to hurling in the county.

But it is not totally unexpected, as Duignan and the Meath County Board have had major public clashes in recent months, after the board fixed senior football championship games just 24 hours before Meath hurlers were due to play Antrim in a crucial National Hurling League match. Thus, Brian Perry, Cathal Sheridan, Keith Callaghan and a number of other Meath hurlers were expected to play for their clubs a day prior to the Antrim game.

Under Duignan, Meath managed a dramatic Leinster championship victory over Laois in Pairc Tailteann. They also put up a creditable performance against Offaly and hopes were high that they could make further progress this year.