All-Ireland football champions Kerry are still awaiting the formal return of midfielder Darragh Ó Sé although he is widely expected to play at least one more year. Kerry returned to training on Tuesday night and Ó Sé was one of several absentees at this early stage.

Tomás Ó Sé (who was recently married), Ronan Hussey and Mike Frank Russell have also yet to return, although Mossy Lyons has withdrawn from the panel in the longer term due to work commitments.

Paul Galvin had his first training session as team captain having been nominated by county champions Feale Rangers, with some of the newcomers including Kieran Quirke (Duagh), Pat Corridan (Finuge) Anthony Maher (Duagh) and Aidan O'Shea from Glenbeigh, son of Jack O'Shea.

While Darragh Ó Sé is not expected to feature in the early rounds of the league, manager Pat O'Shea is happy to give him all the time he needs: "I have spoken to Darragh before Christmas and on the team holiday and basically, he is going to take a few more days before he decides," said O'Shea. "He owes Kerry absolutely nothing and whatever decision he takes, we will absolutely respect that. Personally I will be surprised if he doesn't continue."

Elsewhere, Dublin hurling manager Tommy Naughton is without several first choice players for his opening game of the year, Sunday's Walsh Cup game against UCD (now set for the O'Toole's grounds in Malahide).

Ross O'Carroll, Tomás Brady and Joey Boland are all due to line out for the students, with Kevin O'Reilly and Derek O'Reilly still injured. Former football panellist David O'Callaghan is expected to feature for the first time since 2004.

• The Connacht Council have confirmed to Leitrim GAA that last Sunday's referee, Declan Corcoran, in Leitrim's Connacht FBD game against Galway has admitted making a mistake in the sending off of Michael Duignan in his referees report.

In addition the referee has also apologised to the Leitrim players and management for the error.