Meath manager Colm Coyle has named just six players who figured in last year's championship on the starting 15 for the O'Byrne Cup outing against UCD at Páirc Tailteann tomorrow night.

Long-serving full back Darren Fay, along with Cormac McGuinness, Caoimhín King, Niall McLoughlin, Mark Ward and Peter Curran are included on the starting line-up. Brian Farrell, who was the top scorer in last year's NFL with a total of 8-36, is ruled out of action with a groin problem.

Meanwhile, the Derek Hayden transfer saga is back on the agenda in Carlow. The rumour machine is reporting that the Éire Óg attacker has signed up for Laois side, Arles-Killeen.

While Carlow manager Paul Bealin had rubbished such a transfer move last week, he's now clearly in the dark as to the intentions of the county's Footballer of the Year.

"I've not heard anything since I spoke to him three weeks ago," said Bealin. "He said he's busy with work commitments at the moment but gave a clear undertaking that he's moving nowhere.

"I can only take it at face value. I've since heard the rumours, but there's nothing more that I can do at the moment. At this moment and time I do not know where the player stands."

Bealin is adamant only players who are training will be considered for selection. "Derek has not been training. He was not considered for last Sunday's Kilkenny game. He will not be in contention for a place in the squad for the forthcoming clash with Wexford this Sunday.

"I will not have players swanning into training and expecting to play. They will have to earn their place and give the commitment."

Finally, Mark Foley is to captain the Limerick senior hurling team this year,while Gweedore clubman Kevin Cassidy has been appointed Donegal football captain for the coming season.