Ronan O’Toole could make it for U21 final

Cork midfielder Ronan O’Toole could be fit for Saturday’s EirGrid All-Ireland U21 final with Mayo at Cusack Park (6pm).

Midfielder O’Toole, from Éire Óg, and Clann na nGael’s Don O’Driscoll both missed Cork’s Munster final win over Kerry with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively. O'Toole then appeared off the bench in the All-Ireland semi-final against Monaghan, scoring a point.

“Ronan O’Toole is getting there, it looks like he might be okay,” he said.

“Dan Ó Duinnín hurt himself on Saturday and he got an x-ray done yesterday and he has been given the all-clear.

“One other fella was sick but hopefully he’ll be okay. Otherwise, we’re good to go.”

Mayo were impressive as they beat Dublin on the same day Cork overcame Monaghan and Hayes is expecting a stiff challenge from the Connacht champions. “They’re very hard-working and very controlled. Diarmuid O’Connor and Coen and Loftus are all very good players, they’re playing senior with Mayo so that’s understandable.

“They won the minor All-Ireland three years ago, so they’re the team to beat.”

Meanwhile, the Cork senior footballers have been boosted by the return of Alan O’Connor.

The midfielder played as his club St Colum’s drew with Kilmacabea in the opening round of the Carbery JAFC.