GAELIC GAMES: Outgoing International Rules manager Pete McGrath has refused an opportunity to take charge of the Louth senior footballers. County board officials invited the two-time All-Ireland winner, with his native Down (1991 and 1994), to return to the intercounty scene after a four-year absence.

McGrath, however, cited lack of enthusiasm, fuelled by the huge disappointment of the Irish team's defeats in Australia last month.

"I met representatives from Louth and after an honest assessment, and a lot of soul searching, I declined the offer," he said yesterday. "I think we both agreed that it was a massive job that will require a huge amount of time and effort. I thought about my own enthusiasm for the job. You must have the appetite and the heart to turn a county like Louth around. I don't have the enthusiasm for such a job presently.

"Having just returned from the International Rules I'm feeling fatigued and on a low at the moment, so it was bad timing. Also, I have often said that I have little wish to manage a county other than my own."

This was the sixth offer McGrath has had to take charge of another county but - unlike Mick O'Dwyer, John Maughan and Mickey Moran - he is still unprepared to take the plunge.

Meanwhile, former All Star Kilkenny full back Noel Hickey is looking foward to playing hurling again in the new year. The 25-year-old was floored after this year's Leinster championship when he was diagnosed with a serious viral infection that could have damaged his heart. He was told by doctors to stop all physical activity and he hasn't played or tained since.

However, the Dunnamaggin man has been given the go ahead by his medical team to resume training. "It hasn't been easy being inactive for so long, but the worst appears to be behind me," Hickey said. "I will adopt a safe approach to things, but I am looking forward to getting back into action."

CAMOGIE: Saturday - All-Ireland Club semi-final replay: Cashel (Tipperary) v Davitt's (Galway), New Inn, 12.30pm. Women's football: Sunday - All-Ireland Club semi-final replay: Donoughmore (Cork) V Ballyboden/St Enda's (Dublin), Ballyboden, Dublin, 2pm.