Lynch and O'Leary return for Cork

ANTHONY LYNCH has been passed fit to play for Cork in Sunday’s All-Ireland football quarter-final against Donegal. The defender had been troubled with a groin injury which forced him to miss the Munster final win over Limerick, and while he was named at his usual corner-back position for the Croke Park game, he may undergo a further fitness test.

Noel O’Leary also returns to the starting line-up having missed the Munster final as a result of the four-week suspension picked up in the semi-final win over Kerry. John Miskella is also back after recovering from a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Ross Carr became the first managerial casualty of the summer when the Down county committee last night voted not to reappoint him and his football management team. Down had a disappointing championship – they were knocked out of the Ulster championship in the first round by Fermanagh and were one of Wicklow’s victims in the qualifiers, losing by a point in Aughrim.

Ross’s namesake, Tom Carr, is facing an uncertain future in his role as Cavan football manager following an equally unsuccessful season in charge.

A decision by the Cavan management committee to present a vote of no confidence in Carr at Monday’s county board meeting was ultimately postponed until a meeting on Tuesday next, to allow county delegates consult with their clubs.

Carr outlined his confusion and frustration at the situation on radio yesterday, but said he had the backing of his players and therefore had no intention of resigning.

“The secretary explained to me that I should step down, that it would be better for all, such was the negativity towards me and the management team in the county. The only reason I didn’t, I suppose, is pure stubbornness, number one, but also because I had the support of the players, who asked me not to resign, and the backing of the chairman. So I just don’t know where it stands at the moment.”

CORK (SF v Donegal):A Quirke; R Carey, M Shields, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty, J Miskella; A O'Connor, N Murphy; P Kerrigan, P O'Neill, P Kelly; D Goulding, J Masters, D O'Connor.