Gaelic Games Digest: Cork manager Donal O'Grady and his selectors are expected to announce an unchanged team for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final against Kilkenny, reports Seán Moran.
With a clean bill of health the Munster champions have no reason to alter the line-up that has started the four championship matches to date.
"There are a few bumps and bruises alright," according to Cork chairman Jim Forbes, "but nothing serious." The team will be released tonight.
Forbes also mentioned that there has been considerable traffic on the Internet between Ulster counties and Cork, looking into the possibility of swapping football for hurling tickets.
"I've been getting around 12 e-mails a day," he said, "and five or six phone calls and I'm not the only one. A lot of them have been asking for the names of premium ticket holders who might like to do an exchange."
Cork have received an initial allocation of 10,880.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny name their side tomorrow evening. Manager Brian Cody has no injury concerns but there is speculation in the county that a change will be made for the final. Most of it centres on Tommy Walsh, the immensely-talented newcomer to this year's side, who has just recovered from a hip injury.
Should Walsh not make the selection, Conor Phelan could come into the reckoning, as he has impressed in training after being dropped for the Tipperary match. Corner back James Ryall injured his shoulder in training but is not regarded as a concern.
INTERNATIONAL RULES: Darren Fay was a noticeable absentee from the International Rules trial match at St Peregrines GAA club, Dublin last Saturday, reports Gavin Cummiskey.
The game was an opportunity for John O'Keeffe and his selectors to reduce the panel to 36 players. The loss of Fay will be keenly felt as the Meath full back has been a vital member on the two previous trips to Australia in 1999 and 2001. Peter Canavan also ruled himself out of the tour, citing family reasons.
The squad is to be further modified on Friday, September 19th, when the management will announce 16 definite travellers. In the meantime a further 10 members from the All-Ireland finalists Tyrone and Armagh will be added.
O'Keeffe has been pleased with the progress thus far and said a panel of 26 will be selected in the first week of October. Sydney Swans' Tadhg Kennelly is already guaranteed inclusion.
"There has been a great response, especially from the new players, and training has been competitive. It is going to be very tight for the final selection, I would expect there will be 10 to 15 new faces," said O'Keeffe.
REFEREE ASSAULT: A meeting of the Kerry County Board agreed last night that a sub-committee will investigate the post-match incidents at Sunday's club senior hurling championship semi-final between Kilmoyley and Ballyduff at Austin Stack Park, Tralee.
The sub-committee will invite the officers of Ballyduff to a meeting on Thursday night. It was also agreed no fixtures involving Ballyduff senior and under-21 hurling teams will be played until the investigation is completed.
LIMERICK DECISION: Limerick hurling manager Dave Keane will learn his fate at this evening's county board meeting. Keane and his selectors are under pressure following a disappointing championship.
