Kerry football manager Pat O'Shea is hopeful team captain and free-taker Bryan Sheehan could still make an appearance in Sunday's fourth-round Allianz National League clash against Limerick.
Despite fears Sheehan could be sidelined for several months with a knee cruciate ligament injury, a scan yesterday revealed the damage to be far less serious.
"Thankfully the injury to Bryan's knee is not nearly as bad as first feared," said O'Shea. "After undergoing some tests it appears he has only slightly strained his medial ligament, and at this stage we are hopeful that with rest and proper treatment he will be available for us at the weekend."
This is particularly welcome news for O'Shea, given both Sheehan's importance in the team and the series of absentees elsewhere. Sheehan had been playing at midfield for Cork IT in last Friday's Sigerson Cup semi-final when the injury occurred, forcing him off the field in a game won by eventual champions Queen's.
O'Shea was already without his two Dr Crokes stars, Colm Cooper and Eoin Brosnan, who, like himself, are preparing for the All-Ireland club final on Saturday week. Still missing with a broken hand is Darren O'Sullivan, and while Kieran Donaghy is suspended, Paul Galvin and Declan O'Sullivan won't be back from their Australian excursion until later this month.
With two wins from three games, another victory here would leave Kerry well poised for a play-off position, and Sheehan's return - especially after hitting 0-7 in the last win over Fermanagh - would go a long way towards ensuring that.
Tyrone, meanwhile, are looking to get back to winning ways after the shock loss to Cork in round three, and manager Mickey Harte will welcome back Brian Dooher and Ryan McMenamin for Saturday night's meeting with Donegal - a repeat of the Dr McKenna Cup final.
Dooher is back to full fitness after the knee-cap injury which sidelined him for over six months, and McMenamin returns from the suspension handed out for his straight red in the opening game against Dublin.
GAA President's Awards 2007:L Carroll (Timahoe, Laois), W Corbett (Corofin, Clare), L Cheasty (Waterford), J Biesty (Ballyhaunis, Mayo), E Carney (Dromard, Sligo), Br B Mulhare (Laois and Carlow), P Holland (Annaghminnon, Louth), G Buckley (Westmeath), P Butler (O'Loughlins, Kilkenny), G Dullea (Tipperary), S McGrattan (Ballygalget, Down), T O'Brien (Talbot's Inch Handball Club Kilkenny), S Hughes (Erne Eagles Rounders Club, Cavan), T Barrett (Tipperary), N McCole (Dungloe, Donegal), F Kennedy (Tyrone).
