No case to answer on Rules fracas

GAELIC GAMES: It has emerged that no action will be taken in relation to the fracas that broke out before the start of last month's second International Rules Test at Croke Park. As the teams were switching around for the throw-in, some Irish players, most prominently Ciarán McDonald and Seán Ó hAilpín, were targeted for physical attack triggering a fracas involving a number of others.

Neither of the two referees, the AFL's Stephen McBurney and the GAA's Michael Collins, took any action. So the incidents became a matter for the International Rules Control Committee, the joint body that oversees the series and which is empowered to "initiate investigations of matters arising during the process of a match".

According to Pat Daly, the GAA Head of Games and a member of the committee, "we had a look at it but the feeling was that although the pushing and shoving was visible, we didn't have any evidence of the incidents that started it."

Meanwhile, Dublin are due to hear on Monday night the report of the county board sub-committee appointed to recommend a successor to Tommy Lyons.

Brian Mullins is the only candidate to have been interviewed and on the surface his nomination should be a formality but there are concerns that the former All-Ireland winner may become disillusioned by the lukewarm support for his candidacy among some of the committee.

Should Mullins cool on the prospect of taking over the reins, Dublin will be back to square one in their search for a new manager. Rumours that Dublin player and players association chief executive Dessie Farrell had made a presentation for the position were categorically denied.

"I haven't spoken to anyone in the county board since the Roscommon match," Farrell said referring to his last appearance for the county in August when he was taken off injured six minutes after appearing as a replacement.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has signalled his intention to trawl for new talent in advance of next season.

"There are a number of players I want to look at," he said, "and they will get their chance at trials. We'll probably retain some and hold further trials. I expect to be in a position to select a squad at the end of November or early in December."

Nonetheless he won't be revising his attitude to challenge matches, which he has always avoided. "I'm not into friendlies," he said.

The All-Ireland winning manager is expected to look at county champions Carrickmore, who currently have just one player (Conor Gormley) in the county squad, but their involvement in the Ulster club championship could limit Harte's opportunities to call players from the club up for trials.

Members of successful county minor and under-21 teams from recent seasons will also come into the reckoning.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS (courtesy www.gamebookers.ie): FOOTBALL: Connacht: Killererin 6/4, Ballina 3/1, Knockmore 7/2, Roscommon Gaels 5/1, Tourlestrane 6/1, Annaduff 14/1. Leinster: Kilmacud Crokes evens, Skryne 3/1, Allenwood 4/1, Portlaoise 8/1, Rhode 8/1, Rathvilly 14/1, Starlights 18/1, Garrycastle 20/1, Castledaly 40/1. Munster: Laune Rangers 1/2, Bishopstown 6/4, Kilmurry/Ibrickane 12/1, Stradbally 66/1. Ulster: Crossmaglen 5/2, Slaughtneil 4/1, Carrickmore 4/1, Cavan Gaels 5/1, Mayobridge 5/1, St Gall's 8/1, Ardara 11/1. All-Ireland: Laune Rangers 4/1, Kilmacud Crokes 4/1, Killererin 6/1, Ballina 7/1, Crossmaglen Rangers 7/1, Bishopstown 9/1, Slaughtneil 14/1, Knockmore 14/1, Carrickmore 16/1, Cavan Gaels 20/1, Mayobridge 20/1, Skryne 22/1, Roscommon Gaels 25/1, Allenwood 27/1, Rhode 33/1, St Gall's 40/1, Tourlestrane 40/1, Portlaoise 50/1, Ardara 50/1.

HURLING: Leinster: UCD 6/4, James Stephens 2/1,Oulart the Ballagh 3/1, Coolderry 5/1, Kilmessan 50/1. Munster: Mount Sion 6/4, Toomevara 6/4, Na Piarsaigh 4/1, Kilmaley 4/1. All-Ireland: Athenry 15/8, UCD 4/1, James Stephens 5/1, Mount Sion 7/1, Toomevara 7/1, Oulart The Ballagh 10/1, Coolderry 12/1, O'Donovan Rossa 14/1, Na Piarsaigh 14/1, Kilmaley 18/1.