John Troy is to rejoin the Offaly panel before next month's All-Ireland final. Troy opted out after the quarter-final against Derry after a disappointing season during which he has struggled with injuries and poor form. It was announced last night that the player has agreed to return after talks with team manager Pat Fleury.

This news will come as a great morale boost for the county after Sunday's surprising win over All-Ireland champions Cork. Troy is one of the most talented hurlers of his generation and whereas he will not be in contention for a starting place in the final, he is certain to come into contention for an appearance - particularly with the new provision allowing five replacements in this year's championship.

Meanwhile, John Maughan yesterday stressed that speculation regarding his imminent appointment as the new Fermanagh manager is, for the time being, just that. Rumours began circulating early this week that the Mayoman's appointment as successor to Pat King was a foregone conclusion. It is understood Maughan's name was among those presented to the Fermanagh county board for consideration. "Well, that appears to be the case. There really is very little I can say at the moment beyond that. It is something I will have to sit down and think about and it is possible that I might meet with the Fermanagh board at some stage," he said.

A spokesperson for the Fermanagh county board said that interviews for the vacant post would be held next week, after which the board hope to announce the new management team.

Maughan, who guided Mayo to All-Ireland finals in 1996 and 1997, remains one of the most respected management figures in the game. A renowned motivator and fitness enthusiast, he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to wring every ounce of ability from his charges.

Generally considered unlucky not to have won an All-Ireland with Mayo, Maughan's last game as manager was in the 1999 All-Ireland semi-final when Mayo, impressive at first, fell away against Cork. He initially established his managerial credentials early in the decade when he led Clare to a famous Munster football championship in 1992.

Fermanagh have spent the past few weeks participating in a managerial hunt in the north-west, along with neighbours Donegal, Sligo and Derry. Narrowly beaten by eventual provincial champions Armagh in this year's semi-final, Fermanagh are widely regarded as a team who have taken significant strides in recent years.

Although Pat King's record with the Ulster side was extremely impressive, he felt unable to commit himself for another season, despite the obvious promise now coursing through the team. With the standard in Ulster having levelled off in recent years - excluding Armagh's upsurge - the time would appear ripe for Fermanagh to re-establish themselves as genuine contenders for provincial honours.

The association of a figure such as Maughan would give rise to a renewed wave of optimism ahead of the Autumn league, should he decide to put himself forward for the post.

However, there are four candidates - two of whom are joining forces - definitely vying for the position. Former goalkeeper Peter Greene, who managed the county for a period in the late 1980s, is also interested in the post, with Derrygonnelly manager Donal Fee as a running mate. Fee was heavily involved in Derrygonnelly's county championship title win four years ago. Kinawley man Dominic Corrigan is also in contention.