GAA Snippets

Cork Players' Strike Continues

The strike by the Cork senior hurling and football panels continues without any noticeable moves towards a settlement. The Cork hurlers have been withdrawn from the Waterford Crystal Tournament by the County Board. The team were to play their opening game over the weekend but rather then exacerbate the problem further the Board have decided on its present course of action.

Laois Manager's Anxious Wait

Laois Manager, Liam Kearns is anxiously awaiting communication from two of his best players, Tom Kelly and Joe Higgins as to whether they will return to the county panel.

Kelly and Higgins, both all-stars are from the same club, St Josephs, have been amongst Laois's best performers since the County returned to big-time football in 2003 when the Leinster championship was won for the first time in over 50 years.

McGarrity To Captain Mayo

Ronan McGarrity has been selected as Mayo captain for 2008. The Ballina Stephenites midfielder successfully battled testicular cancer last year. He is presently preparing for his club's all Ireland semi-final clash with Nemo Rangers which takes place next month.

Foley To Lead Limerick

Ahane's Mark Foley will captain Limerick's hurlers for the 2008 campaign. Foley, who is Limerick's longest-serving player and one of their most consistent performers over the last 10 years, should prove an inspirational figure for Limerick as they try to emulate and hopefully improve on their 2007 achievements. He has won Munster, County, National League and Railway Cup medals during a distinguished career.

Death Of Michael Considine

The death has occurred of former Clare hurler, Michael Considine. Considine was provident member of the Newmarket team that won several county titles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was full back on the Munster team that beat Leinster in the 1970 Railway Cup Final.

McGuigan To Return For Tyrone

Brian McGuigan, one of the stars of Tyrone's All Ireland wins in 2003 and 2005, is set to soon return to his county colours.

McGuigan whose career has been seriously interrupted by injury thought 2006 and 2007 has been in full training with Tyrone over the last few weeks. All followers of the game would welcome the return to action of one of the games rarest talents.

Dublin Changed Captain for 2008

Leinster champions Dublin have selected all staff forward Bernard Brogan to lead their challenge to capture the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1995. Last year's captain, Collie Moran was a somewhat controversial choice as it was generally felt that he was hardly worth his place on the first fifteen. Brogan, one of Dublin's main players over the past five years should have no trouble in that regard.

Fitzgerald Boost for Clare

Contrary to previous reports it has now emerged that Davy Fitzgerald is expected to return to the Clare panel. Fitzgerald and team manager Mike McNamara have had discussions of late as to Fitzgerald's future with the County. The outcome of those discussions is that all obstacles to Fitzgerald's return have been removed and his appearance at training is only a question of '' when'', rather than ''if''.