The interprovincial football final between Leinster and Ulster will be played under floodlights in Parnell Park on Saturday, November 12th. However, neither manager has decided whether to add any returning International Rules players to his panel.
Both Ulster manager Brian McEniff and Leinster's Val Andrews were conscious yesterday of the need to remain loyal to those intercounty footballers who trained in the weeks leading up to last week's semi-final victories.
There is some wriggle room for both men. Because of injuries, Ulster have only 22 in the panel while Leinster's Rathnew pair Tommy Gill and Leighton Glynn will have club commitments that weekend if they beat Offaly champions Rhode this Sunday. Also, an injury to Meath defender Niall McKeigue further reduces that squad.
"The International Rules players are only coming back now so we will get together this evening and discuss what to do," said McEniff. "Sure, it wasn't the players' fault that they were away but it will be difficult not to reward the commitment of the lads who have been here training."
There are some immediate candidates for Ulster like Seán Cavanagh, Brian Dooher, Owen Mulligan, Ronan Clarke and Benny Coulter, while Leinster would have difficulty ignoring quality forwards like Dessie Dolan, Matty Forde and Ross Munnelly if available.
Meanwhile, Stradbally manager Martin Murphy is hoping the Australian Rules-bound Colm Begley will be available for the Laois champions' Leinster quarter-final against either Rhode or Rathnew on November 13th.
The underage star is departing the following day to begin a two-year rookie contract with the AFL side, Brisbane Lions. His former underage Laois team-mate Brendan Quigley is also going to Australian Rules.
"Colm told me he would play in the match but that was during the euphoria of last Sunday's victory so things may change," said Murphy. "In fairness to the chap, I wouldn't be putting a gun to his head over playing as we wouldn't want to be sending him down there for pre-season with an injury. The final decision is up to Colm and there will be no pressure either way."
Mick O'Dwyer has recognised Stradbally's recent form by including full forward Colm Kelly and midfielder Darragh Mulhall in the Laois pre-season training panel.
The Galway hurling final between Loughrea and Portumna will also take place on November 13th. Pearse Stadium was unavailable this weekend because of the Connacht club football semi-final between Salthill-Knocknacarra and Crossmolina.
TJ Ryan has been named Limerick hurling captain for 2006. This Sunday he leads county champions Garryspillane into their first Munster club championship tie against Ballygunner of Waterford at the Gaelic Grounds.
