O'Sullivan plays down talk of Kerry captaincy

Kerry's back-to-back All-Ireland winning captain Declan O'Sullivan was in Dublin yesterday to receive his Vodafone Footballer of the Month for August award.

He is still in with a chance of a fourth successive county title with South Kerry, which could leave him poised to remain as captain for next year's attempt at three-in-a-row. O'Sullivan played down the question of the captaincy.

"The captaincy's never been an issue with me. I've never discussed it or even spoken about it. There's plenty of fellas in the Kerry squad well capable of captaining a team, great leaders. There's no shortage of candidates."

Other award winners honoured yesterday were: Colm Cooper (Kerry) for football in September, and in hurling Limerick's Andrew O'Shaughnessy for August and Kilkenny's Eddie Brennan for September.

Meanwhile, the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) of the Dublin County Board is awaiting the referee's report after a fractious senior football championship match between St Vincent's and Na Fianna after which linesman Brian O'Shea was knocked unconscious.

O'Shea had earlier during the match consulted with the match referee before Na Fianna player Aidan Downes was red-carded.

According to a county board spokesperson, the referee was in the vicinity of the post-match altercation and may have included it in his match report. If not, the matter will be the subject of a CCCC investigation.

Elsewhere, Clare All-Ireland winning captain and former manager Anthony Daly has spoken in support of the appointment of Michael McNamara as the new county manager in succession to Tony Considine, and also welcomed the appointment of Alan Cunningham as coach.

"He was the man to step into the breach, but unfortunately we had a year of controversy because we didn't take that step. It's time to move on and forget 2007 and Mike will bring a positive outlook.

"Appointing Alan is very positive and I believe from some of the players that the training last season was a little bit monotonous at times. Alan's a superb coach, has great drills and ideas and will bring a new freshness."

Roscommon hurler Micheál Kelly has been honoured for his performances in their All-Ireland under-21 B and Nicky Rackard Cup triumphs with his selection as the Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month Award for August. Kelly played a starring role in both wins. A member of the Four Roads club, he is one of the most promising young hurlers in the province.

Liam Sheedy will be officially ratified as Tipperary's new senior hurling team boss for a two-year term this evening.

Sheedy will be assisted by Kilruane McDonagh's clubman Eamonn O'Shea and 1991 All-Ireland medallist Michael Ryan from Upperchurch-Drombane.