Rules stars boost Ulster challenge

Ulster's odds of retaining the Interprovincial football title significantly shortened yesterday as five players returning from the International Rules series in Australia became available for Saturday's final against Leinster at Parnell Park.

Tyrone captain Brian Dooher is joined in the panel by his county team-mates Stephen O'Neill, Seán Cavanagh and Philip Jordan, while Armagh full forward Ronan Clarke will also attend training this week.

Bellaghy's victory over Crossmaglen Rangers on Sunday has allowed Aaron Kernan rejoin the panel. But Benny Coulter, Ireland's most consistent performer in the heavy series defeat, is unlikely to be released by his club Mayobridge now they are in the Ulster club semi-final.

Ryan McMenamin is ruled out with a chest infection and Tyrone goalkeeper Pascal McConnell is unavailable, leaving the door open for Armagh's Paul Hearty to come in.

To ensure morale was not disrupted, manager Brian McEniff left it up to the incumbent players to decide whether the returnees be allowed link up with the panel.

"We asked the players last week for their views and they made the decision to welcome back whoever was available even though it may mean some may lose their place in the team," said McEniff.

Several Ulster players will travel on Friday to attend the Gaelic Players Association awards in the Citywest hotel.

The match takes place in Parnell Park under floodlights at 7.30pm, and several of the GAA hierarchy - having returned from trips to Australia and Boston - are expected to attend.

After overcoming Munster 2-13 to 0-9 in the semi-final, Ulster are seeking a third title in a row and a 28th in total. Leinster last won the competition in 2002 and they are one behind on the roll of honour, with 26 titles.

Meanwhile, Kilmacud Crokes will be contesting any suspension handed down to Conor Murphy ahead of next Sunday's Leinster club quarter-final against Meath champions St Peter's in Navan.

Murphy was dismissed during a league match against St Mary's of Saggart last weekend after allegedly being the third man into a skirmish.

Crokes are waiting the referee's report to determine whether it was a second yellow or a straight red card.

The Dublin club champions are already without Mark Vaughan, serving a suspension dating back to last year, while Mark Davoren, Declan Kelleher and Mick O'Keeffe are doubtful with injuries.

TG4 will be televising the Leinster hurling club quarter-final between UCD and Birr this Sunday live from Parnell Park at 2pm and will carry deferred coverage of the football quarter-final between Crokes and St Peter's at 3.40pm.

The remaining Leinster, Munster and Connacht championship draws take place this Friday, live on RTÉ, at the inaugural club congress in Killarney.