Keaney on course for early return
AN exhaustive rehabilitation programme that takes up 25 hours per week has Dublin hurling star Conal Keaney on course to return to action before the championship, WRITES Donnchadh Boyle.
The Ballyboden St Enda's man has been out of action since July with torn lateral and cruciate knee ligaments after his motorcycle collided with a truck, but he hopes to be back in Anthony Daly's squad for their championship opener with Offaly at Croke Park on May 29.
"Although I am not at the end line yet, I can at least see the end," said Keaney. "I am doing about 25 hours' rehab per week. But this is what has to be done and it's the same with (fellow knee injury victims) Stephen Hiney and Tomas Brady -- we just want to get back playing."
Johnston pleads
his case to CCCC
Seanie Johnston put his case to have his inter-county transfer granted to the Central Competitions Controls Committee (CCCC) in person last night.
However, the CCCC's decision on the matter is not expected for a few days. The CCCC were expected to question Johnston -- who wants to move from his home club Cavan Gaels to St Kevin's in Kildare -- about the concerns Cavan County Board have raised over his residency.
Under GAA rules, a player must establish "permanent residency" in another county before he can be granted a transfer.
O'Neill ends reign
HARRY O'Neill has called time on his trophy-laden three-year reign as manager of Kerry football champions Dr Crokes.
O'Neill feels the time is right for a new voice to take charge of the Kerry and Munster club champions, who lost their All-Ireland semi-final to Crossmaglen Rangers last Saturday.
In his three years in charge, Crokes contested 10 finals, winning seven, including two Kerry championships and a Munster senior club title.
Moore to lead Galway
Experienced defender Fergal Moore has been selected as Galway hurling captain for the new season. The Turloughmore man will lead Galway into action next Sunday when they take on Dublin at Pearse Stadium.
Moore won All-Ireland minor medals in 1999 and 2000 and a National League medal in 2004.
Club final times
The GAA have announced the times for the AIB All-Ireland club finals on St Patrick's Day. Leinster champions Coolderry will meet Antrim and Ulster champions Loughgiel Shamrocks in the hurling decider at 2.0 while the football final between Westmeath's Garrycastle and Armagh's Crossmaglen Rangers is timed for 3.45.
The football final will just be ending as Ireland's Six Nations match against England at Twickenham is getting underway at 5.0.
Irish Independent
