Council opt for Tullamore in O’Byrne Cup final switch

THE Leinster Council last night decided Sunday’s O’Byrne Cup Final between Laois and Dublin would be switched to Tullamore.

As the side from the lower half of the draw, Laois were entitled to a home venue but Portlaoise’s O’Moore Park is currently unavailable due to upgrading at the ground.

Laois have played in Portarlington earlier in the competition but the provincial body has chosen O’Connor Park in Tullamore, mindful no doubt of Dublin’s large travelling support and the keen rivalry established between the two counties in recent years.

Meanwhile Alan Brogan and Shane Ryan are ruled out for Dublin.

Both are on Allstar duty in Dubai while Kevin Bonner and Darren Magee are doubtful with injuries.

David O’Callaghan, who was selected for the trip to Aughrim but was withdrawn owing to a groin concern, is also expected to be ready for action.

Tyrone will play Monaghan in the second semi-final of the McKenna Cup under lights in Breffni Park on Tuesday, February 13 — with the first semi-final between Donegal and Armagh going ahead next Sunday.

While the Ulster Council has yet to finalise the issue of the former All-Ireland champions using third-level college players in their game with UUJ, their continuing participation in the competition was never in doubt once they won two of their three games.

Monaghan qualified on the basis of scoring average, after it was initially stated that Jordanstown (managed by Mickey Harte’s former assistant Paddy Tally) would be the team to advance.

Armagh were keen to avoid playing their semi-final next Sunday because two of their players, Andy Mallon and Steven McDonnell will be away on the Allstars trip, while the Crossmaglen Rangers players are currently unavailable. However, the council insisted on the game going ahead.

Tyrone succeeded in having their semi-final deferred because, in addition to the fact that they have players going to Dubai, Mickey Harte will be managing the 2005 team.

Galway star Joe Bergin may miss the start of the national football league campaign after suffering an elbow injury in the closing stages of Sunday’s FBD League win over GMIT.

Galway will open their national league campaign on Sunday week against Derry at Ballinasloe.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Derry star Paddy Bradley and Cork’s James Masters had been called up as replacements for the tour, following the withdrawal of Colm Cooper and Kieran Donaghy. Other players called up as replacements last week included Kerry player Sean O’Sullivan, Cork goalkeeper Alan Quirke, Dublin dual player Shane Ryan and Longford’s Brian Kavanagh.

2005 ALLSTARS: *P. Hearty (Armagh), R. McMenamin (Tyrone), M. McCarthy (Kerry), A. Mallon (Armagh), *G. Canty (Cork), C. Gormley (Tyrone), *A. Kernan (Armagh), P. McGrane (Armagh), S. Cavanagh (Tyrone), B. Dooher (do), P. Canavan (do), O. Mulligan (do), P. Bradley (Derry), S. O’Neill (Tyrone), S. McDonnell (Armagh).

2006 ALLSTARS: *A. Quirke (Cork), B. Owens (Fermanagh), K. Lacey (Donegal), S, Moynihan (Kerry), G. Spillane, (Cork), A. O’Mahony (Kerry), *S. Ryan (Dublin), N. Murphy, *S. O’Sullivan (Kerry), A. Brogan (Dublin), A. Dillon (Mayo), C. Mortimer (do), *J. Masters (Cork), *R. Munnelly (Laois), *B. Kavanagh (Longford).

(*denotes replacement)