ALL-IRELAND SFC FINAL INJURY NEWS: KERRY MANAGER Pat O'Shea is hopeful that today's scan results on full forward Kieran Donaghy will not show any long-term effects of the knee injury he picked up in Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final replay victory over Cork.
The dynamic full forward was replaced towards the end of the match and O'Shea is keeping his fingers crossed. "Kieran had a scan this morning," he said yesterday, "and we're waiting on the result. I'm hopeful that he will be all right. He might have strained something and any time a player has an injury and goes for a scan you're always a little bit wary of what might show up."
The only other injury concern as a result of Sunday was wing back and 2007 Young Footballer of the Year Killian Young. "Killian felt a twinge in his hamstring but played through it and seems to be all right."
In what has been Kerry's most arduous progression to an All-Ireland final - four competitive matches last month, three against provincial champions - the manager says he believes fatigue is a slight concern at the moment.
"We've had a very eventful and busy August but it's been great and playing Croke Park is always a buzz. There's maybe a bit of tiredness there but we've a break now to prepare."
The importance of reaching the final was obvious in terms of remaining on track for a first three-in-a-row since Kerry themselves achieved the feat 22 years ago but it also springs from suspension two very influential players, Darragh Ó Sé and team captain Paul Galvin.
"I think it would have been a terrible way for Darragh to end his career," said O'Shea about the team's most experienced player, whose All-Ireland final appearance was saved by the first semi-final against Cork ending in a draw meaning he could serve the ban in last weekend's replay.
Galvin's suspension was a matter of controversy during the summer and ended up being cut in half and reduced to three months.
"Paul has had a traumatic few months and I'm pleased for him personally that he's back in contention."
Opponents Tyrone are similarly upbeat despite the shock of seeing their outstanding player, Seán Cavanagh, having to leave the field in some distress during the defeat of a battling Wexford team in the other semi-final.
"Seán dislocated a finger and hurt his back," according to county PRO Damien Harvey, "but he joined the rest of the team on Sunday and is going to be fine. There are no other injuries so we've a clean bill of health."
• DAVE FORAN has said he would be interested in throwing his hat into the ring for the vacant managership of the Dublin football team. The former Dublin player has experience of the intercounty scene as a team manager, having managed Wicklow in 1995, 1996 and 1997. He recently quit his position as manager of Carlow club O'Hanrahan's.
"I'd be honoured to be considered for a position with the Dublin team in some capacity, whether it be as manager, selector or something else," said the Thomas Davis clubman.
