Cork Constitution await fitness evaluations on four key players prior to Saturday's crucial AIB League Division One clash with Shannon at Temple Hill. Prop Ian Murray, wing John Kelly, out-half Ronan O'Gara and full-back Brian Walsh are all hampered by injury.
Munster inter-provincial Kelly remains the most doubtful as he has just resumed light training following a hernia operation. Murray is suffering from a troublesome back, O'Gara from damage to an arm and Walsh is complaining of hamstring trouble. It is envisaged that three of the four should take the field.
Shannon, champions for the past four seasons, have beaten Constitution on each of those occasions. The last time that the Cork club was successful was in 1993 and in eight meetings, Shannon lead 5-3. It promises to be a great occasion and not just on the pitch. A crowd of 6,500 is anticipated which ought to provide a cracking atmosphere.
Blackrock College will make a late decision on who will wear the number 10 jersey for the visit of Ballymena. Leinster inter-provincial Alan McGowan is still recovering from injury while young Neil O'Donovan is similarly constrained. A late decision is expected.
Tom Keating is restored to fullback, Brian Carey moves the centre, Aidan Guinan is on the right wing and David Quinlan must content himself with a place on the bench as Michael Jackson is handed his first league start of the season.
Clontarf travel to face Terenure at Lakelands equally fixated by relegation worries as Blackrock. Matt Smith has a hamstring injury but may play while Warren O'Kelly is expected to start ahead of Peter McQuillan. Captain and hooker Bernard Jackman is recovering from illness but his competitive spirit should allow him to lead his side into this vital match. Terenure have named a squad but are without the injured Eric Miller and Stephen Barretto.
Galwegians coach George Hook has left a vacancy at scrum-half for the visit of St Mary's. David Mescal may be given the opportunity with a battle scarred Diarmuid Reddan on the bench.
In Division Two, Old Belvedere's casualty list remains a concern with Donal Martin (shoulder), Tim Mannix (ankle) and Murray Henderson (arm) still sidelined for the trip to Old Crescent.
Garryowen have organised a fundraiser in aid of Danny Noonan, a 19-year-old Galbally player who was very seriously injured in a match. At the Cork Constitution, Shannon, Young Munster, Garryowen and Buccaneers, Lansdowne fixtures, envelopes will be handed to the crowd on their way into the games and it is hoped that these will be returned, not on the day, but any time after that. More envelopes will be handed out at the two Division One semi-finals and the final. Noonan is currently recovering at the Rehabilitation Institute at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. All support would be gratefully appreciated.
