Andrews remains cautious

Cavan manager Val Andrews remained cautious yesterday when discussing his interpretation of the late penalty which revived his side and subsequently drew wrathful comments from Derry star Joe Brolly.

Andrews had originally declined to comment on the incident, during which Larry Reilly was awarded a penalty while surrounded by the Derry defence, stating that he'd prefer to see a replay.

"I really have no more to say about the matter at this stage. It's history now no matter what way you look at it. I mean, sometimes those decisions go your way, other times, you're up against it. I really don't want to get drawn into any controversy on the matter," he said yesterday.

Several Derry players were incensed by the decision, after which Cavan stung the Ulster champions with two goals which turned the game on its head. Joe Brolly, who made a late and dramatic appearance despite suffering from fever, said that the penalty award was tantamount to evidence that the GAA was working to an "agenda", suggesting they were trying to ensure Cavan's survival to guarantee bumper crowds.

However, Derry forced a 75th minute equaliser when Brolly converted a return pass after his own 45 metre free dropped short. Afterwards, some of the Cavan players said that they had been told that Brolly's initial free-kick was to be the last of the game.

"That's what some of the lads said but as I wasn't close enough to hear the referee, I can't comment. But we accept his decision and again, it's just one of the twists in any football match and we are looking forward to next week now," said Andrews.

He hopes to name his side for Sunday's replay in Breffni Park on Wednesday evening but Eamon Coleman may delay his selection until later in the week. Both camps reported that the players had found the match extremely physical and Derry must also plan without Ronan Rocks, the midfielder who may receive three months suspension having been dismissed for striking late in the match. Should Derry win on Sunday, he will definitely be unavailable for the Ulster semi-final match against Armagh, who also lost Oisin McConville for a similar indiscretion during their victory against Donegal.

Meanwhile, Donegal manager Declan Bonner will spend the next few weeks pondering his future. Sunday's defeat by Armagh brought his two year contract to an end and the Donegal county board yesterday intimated that a third year was an option, subject to review by the board itself and the representatives from the various clubs.

Bonner himself had sounded dubious about the likelihood of remaining in charge for another year, citing the fact that he has a young family and a demanding job as reasons which might prompt him to step aside at this stage. It is unlikely that any decision will be made within the next month but there is speculation that if Bonner does decide to vacate the post, a push will be made to encourage his All-Ireland winning team-mate Martin McHugh to take over.

Similarly, Mick O'Dwyer confirmed that he was also uncertain of whether he would continue as manager of Kildare, despite speculation that he had confirmed to the players his intentions to say on after Sunday's defeat by Offaly. "I haven't made any decision on that and I won't even discuss that at this stage," O'Dwyer said yesterday.

Next weekend is dominated by another hectic GAA schedule and the resounding popularity of the summer games was highlighted by TnaG's announcement that they are once again to provide full delayed coverage of the main Sunday matches for the remainder of the championship.

The programmes will be produced by the Sportiris team and will feature regular post match analysis, beginning this Sunday at 6.45pm with coverage of the Leinster hurling semi-final between Laois and Kilkenny.

The series runs until the September 26th, the date of the All-Ireland football final, and incorporates all the provincial finals and the All-Ireland semi-finals in both hurling and football.

Tyrone are to use their Ulster Championship clash with Fermanagh to unveil a new image. A new strip, designed and manufactured in the county, will make its debut at Clones on Sunday week.