Russell faces long lay-off

Michael Francis Russell, a central figure in Kerry's All-Ireland victory in 1997, will be out of action for several months following a freak accident in a club match last weekend.

He will travel today to Dublin for a consultation with the former Dublin player, Dr Pat O'Neill, amid fears that his knee injury may require surgery and a lengthy lay-off from football.

Russell was playing for Laune Rangers against Castlemaine/ Milltown when he collided with a colleague and twisted his right knee. The knee is now seriously swollen and although and X-ray has revealed that there is no bone fracture, it is thought severe ligament damage has been caused.

After Kerry lost their first-round National League match by a single point to Roscommon this comes as a severe blow and weakens their attack for the match against Louth in Tralee on Sunday.

Roscommon's victory puts them in a strong position to emerge from Division Two A of the league, which also includes Antrim, Kilkenny, Limerick, London, Wicklow and Westmeath, and increases the pressure on Kerry.

Meanwhile, the Kilkenny hurling public are still in the dark regarding their new team manager. Definitely out of contention is the former manager of Kilkenny and Offaly Diarmuid Healy, who informed the county board of his determination not to be a candidate after a recent holiday abroad. It is understood that the county board executive delayed their decision pending his return but failed to persuade him to accept the post.

Into the picture now comes the former Kilkenny full back Brian Cody. He was captain when Kilkenny won the All-Ireland title in 1982. Also mentioned is his former James Stephens clubmate Nicky Cashin who played for Waterford and Munster and who still lives in Kilkenny.

There does not, however, seem to be any scarcity of applicants for the Kilkenny job. The former All Star goalkeeper Noel Skehan remains in the frame while George Leahy (formerly associated with Offaly and Laois), Larry O'Neill and Richie Power are also being mentioned as possible candidates. The county board is expected to make a decision next week.

The Cork football selectors have made two changes in the team for the league clash with Leitrim. On that occasion it was a largely experimental side with many players making their senior debuts. On this occasion Anthony Lynch, who was forced to cry off for the Offaly game because of injury, is back in the side at left corner back in place of Michael O'Donovan while Martin Cronin comes in at left half back for Padraig O'Regan.

Nineteen-year-old Michael Hegarty from Kilcar will make his full debut for Donegal this Sunday against All-Ireland champions Galway in Tuam. Hegarty, selected at right half forward, impressed when he came on as a substitute against Armagh last Sunday week. Hegarty is one of two changes to the team announced by Donegal manager Declan Bonner. Paul Callaghan from Burt replaces Tony Blake in goal.

The GAA are expected to contribute around £500,000 to the fund to support survivors of the Omagh bombing. Already the Central Council of the GAA has contributed £250,000 to the fund, made up of £200,000 from the proceeds of the All-Ireland hurling semi-final rematch between Offaly and Clare in Thurles and a sum of £50,000 directly from the Central Council coffers.