News Round-up: All Redmond Barry now has to do is recover from a slight knock sustained at training over the weekend as the GAC have shifted their fixture listings to accommodate the Wexford dual player
If fit, Barry will play in the Leinster hurling final against Kilkenny this Sunday at Croke Park as the second round football qualifier against Monaghan in Clones has been put back to July 9th. This means the player will not have to decide between football and hurling, although it had been widely speculated that he would opt to play in the Leinster final regardless.
Football manager Pat Roe was obviously pleased, as he will need a full deck to lift his players for the trip to Clones after a disappointing collapse against Dublin.
"All northern teams are tough," said Roe, "but it could have been worse as we avoided Donegal and Meath. I'm not too bothered by the draw either way, I just want to get the guys right after the recent disappointment."
Hurling manager Seámus Murphy will name his team on Thursday evening in order to allow several injured players an opportunity to recover. As it stands, Darren Stamp is out with a stress fracture of the heal, exacerbated in the semi-final victory over Laois. Malachy Travers (Achilles' tendon) and Mitch Jordan (groin) are also struggling to make it while Barry, Paul Carley and Declan Ruth are expected to recover from minor knocks.
Kilkenny are keeping their cards closer to their chest, but Michael Kavanagh is back and there were no injury reports from last Thursday's club championship matches. A line-up resembling the one that demolished Offaly in the semi-finals is expected tomorrow night.
Tipperary native Seámus Roche has been chosen to referee the match.
The venues and times for the other round two football qualifiers were also released yesterday with three set for next Saturday and another four on Sunday.
On Saturday evening, Carlow host Limerick in Dr Cullen Park, Sligo entertain Kildare in Markievicz Park and Louth face Roscommon in Drogheda. On Sunday afternoon, Down and Derry meet in Newry, Westmeath go to Ennis to play Clare, while Donegal are on the road for the fourth week in succession against Cavan in Breffini Park. Like Dublin last year, Meath travel down to Carrick-On-Shannon to face Leitrim. All beaten provincial semi-finalists have home advantage.
Besides the Leinster hurling final, RTÉ were unable to confirm what qualifiers they would be televising until later today. The following weekend will be a similar conundrum as there are three provincial finals on the same day, July 10th, because the Ulster decider between Armagh and Tyrone was moved back from July 17th as Croke Park is available then.
Meanwhile, Tomás Ó Sé goes before the CDC this Thursday as a result of video evidence of an off the ball incident from Kerry's victory over Limerick on June 19th. The Kerry camp would not comment on the upcoming disciplinary hearing, fearing it could work against them, but sources in the county are angered that he has been singled out, especially considering the number of incidents that have taken place in recent championship games.
Ó Sé may face a suspension following a clash with several Limerick players while he was retreating back to the defence. However, as Sunday Game pundit Kevin McStay pointed out, if Ó Sé is pulled in front of such a hearing several other players should also have cases to answer.
CDC chairman Con Hogan confirmed that the committee have been reviewing all match videos for incidents.
"We want to create a situation where video evidence exists that we review incidents that were not dealt with by the match officials," said Hogan. "It will create a situation where players that are clearly visible on video will have a case to answer."
Frankie Dolan may be back in the Roscommon panel ahead of Saturday's qualifier in Drogheda against Louth. His club, St Brigids from Kiltoom, will be meeting with county board officials this week. Dolan was thrown off the panel for the second time this season after an incident with selector Seámus Killoran after the defeat to Mayo.
The news is not so good for Kildare centre back Glenn Ryan as he sustained a facial injury playing for Round Towers last Sunday and is doubtful for Saturday's game in Sligo.
