GAELIC GAMES: The case of former Dublin minor hurling captain John McCaffrey comes before the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) this Friday with the outcome expected to have a ripple effect for the other high-profile third level suspensions recently handed down by the Higher Education Council.

Part-time DCU Masters students Shane Ryan, Ross Munnelly, Diarmuid Kinsella and Dessie Dolan were all given 12-week suspensions for participation in a colleges league semi-final against Sligo IT on November 30th.

The intercounty quartet were deemed ineligible under section 30 B (i) of An Comhairle Ard Oideachais constitution.

Appeals were lodged immediately, but a combination of the festive period and the Central Appeals Committee (CAC)awaiting the outcome of the McCaffrey appeal to the DRA has held up proceedings.

"The John McCaffrey case may or may not affect the other appeals, so it would be prudent to await its outcome," said CAC chairman (and former GAA president) Seán McCague.

The CAC already rejected McCaffrey's appeal on similar grounds to the expected arguments of the aforementioned players: that they are not full-time students. But a reversal by the DRA would force a change of tact.

The teenager captained Dublin to the Leinster minor hurling title last summer and also played on the minor football team before entering UCD on a scholarship to study for a diploma in sports management. The course only requires attendance on campus one day a week.

Ryan, Munnelly, Kinsella and Dolan have already served half their suspensions, missing O'Byrne Cup action for either DCU or their county teams last weekend. They will also be absent this week, as the CAC do not convene until next Monday or Tuesday.

Westmeath selector and county board secretary Paddy Collins, who accompanied Dolan to his hearing last month, voiced his dismay at the delay in the appeals system. "That's why it was set up - to ensure players are afforded a speedy outlet for appeal. Understandably, Christmas held matters up as all offices were closed, but the football restarted last weekend.

"I spoke to Dessie last night (Monday) and he expressed his disappointment that he hadn't the opportunity to put his case forward in an appeal, especially considering the match in question took place on November 30th.

"That's another game gone next Sunday. There is no real victory if an appeal is successful after most of the sentence is already served."

DCU will be keen to have all four exonerated ahead of the Sigerson Cup, which they play host to on January 24th-25th, while Dublin, Westmeath, Laois and Wexford require their presence for the start of the national league on February 4th.

Along with the injured Paddy Christie, Mayo's Conor Mortimer and Dublin contingent Stephen Cluxton, Bryan Cullen, Paul Casey and Declan Lally are also registered at DCU for the current academic year.

Meanwhile, Tipperary hurling manager Babs Keating has played down the nomination of Ger "Redser" O'Grady as senior hurling captain for 2006.

Although the player failed to nail down a starting berth in the Tipperary forward line last year, county champions Thurles Sarsfield are entitled to select the hurling captain. "It's not the selectors' decision," said Keating. "Our job is to select the best 15 players for Tipperary. If anything it will bring added responsibility and incentive for him to gain a place in the side.

"I don't worry about who is captain anyway. In my opinion there has been too much made about the role of captaincy down through the years, especially in Tipperary."

Tyrone defender Ciarán Gourley returned to competitive action last weekend against Down in the McKenna Cup after a year-long absence due to a knee injury.

The All-Ireland winning corner back from 2003 came through the full 70 minutes at centre back with no ill effects.

Gourley's recovery came earlier than expected after a planned operation was cancelled when surgeons discovered damage to the cruciate ligament was not as serious as originally believed.

"It's great to be back. Especially with the way things went last year, you appreciate what it is to be part of the team. I know this year there will be fierce competition to get back into the team, so it's nice just to get back playing.

"I suppose there is the odd occasion when doubts come into your head, but you take confidence from the fact that there have been other players in this position before, who have had long-term injuries and have come back from them."

Manager Mickey Harte was naturally pleased to have the quality defender back as Tyrone go in search of a third All-Ireland title in four years.

"Ciarán Gourley is a very versatile player, a very steady player. We missed him a lot last year, and it's good to see him back and able to play the way he can play."

New Limerick football manager Mickey Ned O'Sullivan must plan without several key players ahead of the McGrath Cup opener against Waterford IT this Sunday.

Stephen Kelly, Muiris Gavin and Owen Keating are definite absentees because of long-term injuries, while Conor Fitzgerald, Mike O'Brien and Mark O'Riordan have given their commitment to hurling boss Joe McKenna. Another dual player, Stephen Lucey, who has yet to return to training, has not declared his intentions.

John Quane, who gave 14 years service to the football team, has retired, but Conor Mullane is back on the panel.