Ger Brady, the talented Ballina 19-year-old Gaelic football and rugby star, has accepted a lucrative contract from the Connacht Branch of the IRFU which he will take up next June.

The 19-year-old's acceptance of the contract, worth around £10,000, means that he has to forfeit Gaelic football and concentrate all his efforts on rugby training.

The Ballina man has been a real prospect since emerging at under-16 level but it was at under-19 level while playing for Ireland that his real potential was unfurled. "It was a tough decision to make but I have to look at my future," said the first-year student at Sligo RTC. He will be moving to Galway RTC next season and although he is currently playing rugby with Ballina it is likely he will be taken up by some of the bigger clubs in Galway.

Brady, who is a brother of Mayo midfielder David Brady, said he found it very difficult to forfeit his Gaelic football, but did not rule out returning to the game next season. "It all depends on how things go but I feel I have a good future in rugby."

Meanwhile, Carlow will have six new newcomers to senior championship football when they take on Westmeath in the preliminary round of the Leinster championship at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday.

The newcomers are John Brennan in goal, Paud O'Dwyer at left corner back, Ken Walker at centre half back, Johnny Kavanagh at left half back and Mark Dowling and Pat Kavanagh in the corner forward positions.

Not considered for selection was Mick Nolan, who has not recovered from a knee injury. Colm Hayden, who attempted a comeback in the league is also ruled out because of a knee injury.

They field an experienced midfield pairing in Garvan Ware and Jody Morrissey, while Sean Kavanagh and John Nevin, in the central attacking roles, are others who have been through this level of competition before. Willie Quinlan will play at right wing forward.

Meanwhile the National Football League final in Pairc Ui Chaoimh will not be all-ticket. Tickets will be needed for the covered stand only. Admission to other parts of the ground can be gained by paying at the stiles.

The Donegal county board has cancelled a ban on the attendance of members of the local media at ordinary meetings of the board. The ban was imposed about six weeks ago on the grounds that board members were uncomfortable about speaking their minds because they would be quoted in the local press.

Wexford delayed selection of their team to play Longford in New Ross until a late hour last night with only two places in doubt.