NEWS ROUND-UP: The GAA has hit back at suggestions that ticket allocations for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final haven't risen in accordance with the increase in capacity at Croke Park.
"What is often forgotten," according to association PRO Danny Lynch, "is that we merely administer a system decided by the counties themselves. It was decided to raise the allocation to competing counties by 15 per cent this year and that has been done. But it was also decided that the allocation to non-competing counties should also go up by 15 per cent."
The capacity of Croke Park has risen by 14 per cent since last year's final between Tipperary and Galway, attended by 68,512. "Every year there are calls for the participating counties to get a greater share of the tickets," says Lynch, "but until the counties decide that, we must operate the system we have."
Mickey Moran has stepped down as manager of the Donegal footballers. He had spent two years with the county and led it to its most successful season in 10 years. His decision will increase speculation that he is interested in filling the manager's vacancy in his own county, Derry.
Meanwhile, Wexford hurling manager Tony Dempsey is expected to decide whether he will remain in the position within the next week. Elected to the Dáil in June, Dempsey's new constrained schedule may not allow him to continue.
Tonight the Games Administration Committee will meet to decide the fate of Kerry footballers Tom O'Sullivan and Tomás Ó Sé. O'Sullivan was sent off in the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork and Ó Sé was seen in the same match striking an opponent.
Cork trio Fionán Murray, Philip Clifford and captain Colin Corkery will also attend. Murray was sent off with O'Sullivan, Clifford was seen striking and Corkery has been asked to explain his constant arguing with the referee Brian White.
SATURDAY
All-Ireland Under-21 FC semi-finals (extra time if necessary): Galway v Kerry, Ennis, 3.30, E Murtagh (Longford); Dublin v Tyrone, Breffni Park, Cavan, 3.30, G Kinneavey (Roscommon).
Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens, from 10.30, at Glenalbyn, St Benildus College, Deerpark, Silver Park and Clonkeen College; final at Páirc De Burca, Glenalbyn, 6.30.
SUNDAY
All-Ireland SHC final: Clare v Kilkenny, Croke Park, 3.30, A MacSuibhne (Dublin).
All-Ireland MHC final: Kilkenny v Tipperary, Croke Park, 1.30, D Kirwan (Cork).
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