Dowd still doubtful for Kildare match

TOMMY DOWD, who missed last week's National Football League game against Donegal in Navan because of a back injury, is selected for, Meath's match against Kildare in Newbridge on Sunday even though there are still some doubts about his fitness.

Alan Finnegan came in for Dowd when Meath and Donegal drew last week, 2-4 to 0-10. Dowd had injured his back in training and cried off at the last minute.

Meath manager Sean Boylan hopes that Dowd, who is still having physiotherapy, will be able to take his place against Kildare. If he is not tit, it is likely that his place at full forward will again go to Finnegan. Otherwise the team remains the same.

Down's desperation to avoid an embarrassing drop to Division Three is reflected in three changes in personnel and several positional switches for the match against Louth at Newry.

Goalkeeper Neil Collins is replaced by Michael McVeigh and Micheal Magill and Gregory McCartan come in for John Kelly and Colm McAlarney. Magill gets the full back position with McCartan selected at full forward.

The 1994 All Ireland champions have moved Eamonn Burns from the forwards to right half back while Gary Mason goes in the opposite direction, taking over at centre half forward. Brian Burns, who lined out at full back against Cavan last Sunday, is placed at centre back.

Alter their morale boosting display against All Ireland champions Dublin last week in Dundalk it comes as no surprise that Louth name a virtually unchanged side. The only absentee is Cathal O'Hanlon, who was sent off just before half time against Dublin, and his position on the left wing of the attack is left vacant.

Kerry and Derry have postponed selection of the teams to play Laois and Donegal respectively because of a number of injury problems. Kerry are particularly hit following their draw with Tyrone last week. In addition to their Laune Rangers players, four of whom will not be available because of club commitments, six members of Paudi O Se's panel are on the injured list Maurice Fitzgerald, Anthony Gleeson, Sean Geaney, Donal Daly, John Crowley and John O'Connell. Kerry will announce their team tonight after training.

Derry are not quite as badly hit. although four members of the team which beat Kildare by 1-6 to 0-7 last week are doubtful starters. Two of them left the field just before half time bright full brick John MGuik with a badly bruised shoulder and right corner forward Colin McEldowny with an eye injury.

Dermot Heaney also picked up an injury and was been having treatment for a knee complaint during the week, and Brian McGilligan, who left the field also feeling the effect of an infection, has not trained this week as a precaution. Derry's team is expected to be announced tonight.

There are six changes on the Clare team which was beaten 0-10 to 0-6 by Laois last week. All three players who left the field injured in the first 20 minutes last week are out. They are Frankie Griffin, John Enright and Ger Keane. In addition, Colm Clancy is on holidays in Australia and Odran O'Dwyer is not available.

Into the side come Aidan Moloney, Gerry Kelly, Kieran O Neill, Tom Kirwan and Kieran Considine.

Fergus Daly returns to the Wicklow team for the visit of Offaly to Aughrim on Sunday. Brendan Brady is in at left half forward and Shay Cullen gets a chance to claim a regular place with a debut at right corner forward.