Curran is fit to face Roscommon

All-Ireland Minor Football Final replayKerry minor captain Paddy Curran has been passed fit to play in Saturday's All-Ireland final replay against Roscommon at Cusack Park, Ennis, a game that will be broadcast live on RTÉ.

Curran kicked eight points in last Sunday's thrilling draw at Croke Park but suffered a suspected broken jaw after clashing with Roscommon goalkeeper Mark Miley with 10 minutes remaining.

The full forward was taken to Kerry General Hospital in Tralee on Monday night where an X-ray revealed only bad bruising to the right side of his face.

"We have a few other bumps and bruises as it was a seriously physical game but everyone should be fine," revealed Kerry manager John Kennedy.

Kennedy ensured his panel stayed well clear of the senior homecoming and celebrations on Monday night, instead redirecting them to a pool session and team meeting.

The change of scenario for Saturday's replay is actually a familiar setting for Kerry as they beat Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-finals in Ennis.

"Yeah, we played Mayo down there. It is a smaller pitch but we do not mind in the slightest where or when the game takes place.

"It is difficult for the lads as many of them are starting college this week but in two more nights it will be all over, hopefully with a victory."

Sunday's 30-point draw will go down as one of the greatest minor finals but Kennedy failed to notice how enjoyable the game was for supporters.

"We (the management) were talking about that as everyone else seemed to enjoy it except us. We didn't appreciate it from our viewpoint on the line.

"Roscommon's grit and determination didn't surprise us, though, as we sent (selectors) Vince Cooper and Paddy Creagh down to the Connacht final (victory over Mayo) so we knew they had plenty of character."

A Kerry team will be announced tomorrow with Roscommon manager Fergal O'Donnell expected to stick to a season-long routine and not select a team until the weekend.

Throw-in time for the game has been changed from 3.30pm to 2.45pm, probably to suit television.

Meanwhile, the Tyrone county board secretary Dominic McCaughey has confirmed that no Carrickmore players were mentioned in the referee John Kerlin's report from last weekend's semi-final victory over Dromore.

The board have initiated an investigation into several violent incidents that marred the contest, especially the second period of extra time, which required 11 minutes of injury time.

McCaughey also stated that, despite the investigation, the county final between Carrickmore and Errigal Ciarán, under the captaincy of Peter Canavan, would continue as planned this Sunday afternoon in Healy Park, Omagh.

Elsewhere, Crossmaglen Rangers are chasing a record 11th successive Armagh football title but they must first overcome Clan Na Gael and their inspirational player-manager Diarmuid Marsden when the sides meet in Crossmaglen on Sunday.

Fixtures

SATURDAY

All-Ireland Minor Football Championship: Final replay: Kerry v Roscommon, Cusack Park, Ennis, 2.45, Padraig Hughes (Armagh), live RTÉ (extra time if necessary).

All-Ireland Masters Hurling: Final: Galway v Limerick, Nenagh, 5.0, T Ryan (Tipperary) Extra time if necessary. Shield Final: Kerry v Dublin, Nenagh, 3.0, M O'Connor (Limerick). Extra time if necessary.

SUNDAY

Armagh county football final: Crossmaglen Rangers v Clan Na Gael, Crossmaglen, 3.45, J Slevin.Tyrone county football final: Errigal Ciarán v Carrickmore, Healy Park, Omagh, 4.0.