Cooney tips Thurles to host League final

GAA President Christy Cooney expects the Allianz hurling league final to go ahead in Thurles, despite suggestions that the table toppers might get home advantage.

Cork and Galway are already through to the May 2 final regardless of what happens when they meet in the final round of games on Sunday week at Pearse Stadium.

To invest the game with a meaningful edge it was suggested that the winners of the group could perhaps gain home advantage for the final but Cooney yesterday rubbished that idea.

“No, that hasn’t been considered,” said Cooney. “I don’t believe the CCCC (Central Competitions Control Committee) have met even, to look at that situation. I think the final will be played at a neutral venue, in my view, most likely Thurles.”

As for the dead rubber issue, he said: “It’s just the way it’s worked out. It’s been a very competitive league. It’s been unfortunate that the final round of games aren’t there to give a result for the final.”

Cooney also said GAA officials are still waiting on a ‘detailed report’ from the Cork County board regarding the Irish Rugby team’s use of the Nemo Rangers GAA club’s training facilities during the Six Nations campaign.

“We’re awaiting that, that could be around Congress, if not, we’ll just wait and see,” said Cooney.

Meanwhile big guns Alan Quirke, Anthony Lynch, Graham Canty and Donnacha O’Connor are all in line for starting places on the Cork team to meet Mayo in the Allianz NFL Division One game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Quirke, corner-back Lynch and centre-back Canty have missed the opening rounds of the competition, while O’Connor has served his one month’s suspension imposed after receiving a red card in the game with Tyrone.

Both Canty and Lynch have recovered from injury and are reported to be going well in training.

Once again, however, John Miskella and Colm O’Neill will miss out because of injury.

Mayo, who could also qualify for the final should they win or draw, will be without corner back Keith Higgins and wing back Peadar Gardiner, both ruled out through injury.

However, ace forward Alan Dillon, who has recovered from injury, is almost certain to be included when manager John O’Mahony names his side tonight.Ger Brennan (ankle) and Ross O’Carroll (hamstring), will miss Dublin’s visit to Omagh on Sunday to take on Tyrone.

Team manager Pat Gilroy will run his eye over Eoghan O’Gara, Tomás Quinn , Alan Brogan and Denis Bastick, all of whom have been injured of late, before announcing his side early today.

Derry’s Paddy Bradley will miss next Sunday’s League tie against Galway at Pearse Stadium. The former All Star damaged a hamstring while on club duty last weekend and is expected to be out for a fortnight at least.