McDonald may not return for Mayo

GAELIC GAMES:MAYO FOOTBALLER Ciarán McDonald looks to have reached the end of his intercounty career. The new county panel, released last night, confirms the former All Star is not in the county's plans for this year's championship.

The Crossmolina player, who is 33, hasn't started a match for the county since the All-Ireland final of 2006. Injury plagued him for most of last year and although he played in the championship defeat by Galway he wasn't fully fit.

Manager John O'Mahony stated at the start of the season he would not call on the older, more experienced players in the early part of the season, to give them some rest. More recently he invited the players in question to attend A v B training and trial matches.

David Brady and Kevin O'Neill announced they had decided not to come back. James Nallen accepted the invitation but McDonald, although he had indicated he wished to return, did not attend the sessions in question.

McDonald, one of the most skilful players of the last decade, played in the All-Ireland finals of 1997, 2004 and 2006 - all against Kerry and all ending in disappointment for Mayo - and was an All Star in 2004.

There is speculation in Waterford that another distinguished career may be coming to an end. Former Hurler of the Year Tony Browne is believed to be considering retirement and will meet county manager Justin McCarthy tonight to discuss his future, with the first round of the Munster championship, against Clare, just six weeks away.

Sources in the county say there is no issue with McCarthy or the county panel, but a difference of opinion with his club Mount Sion may prompt the player, after 16 years of outstanding service, to call it a day at all levels.

In the past two years Browne has been allowed skip most of the National League and conduct his own training programme. This approach was very successful last year when, suitably rested, he returned and had an excellent championship, culminating in wining an All Star.

He captained the county to an All-Ireland under-21 title in 1992 and was a member of the teams that won Munster titles in 2002, 2004 and last year. He was chosen as Hurler of the Year in 1998.

Meanwhile Down manager Ross Carr is facing an eight-week suspension for remarks made about Westmeath referee Pat Fox, who took charge of the county's final league match against Fermanagh last weekend. Croke Park's Central Competitions Control Committee proposed the suspension, which would bar Carr from the sideline in the Ulster championship opener against Tyrone.

Down are already missing assistant manager DJ Kane for that match; he is serving a 16-week suspension.

If Carr does not wish to accept the proposed suspension and opts for a hearing the matter will go to the Central Hearings Committee.

The GAA has issued a press release, "in response to queries and some misinformed comment", about its disciplinary process.

In the release it stresses that the Competitions Control Committee proposes penalties that are either accepted or rejected. If they are rejected, a hearing is granted before the Hearings Committee, which either imposes a penalty or exonerates based on evidence offered at the hearing.

Appeals from the CHC are to the Central Appeals Committee and arbitration is available from the independent Disputes Resolution Authority.

In summary the GAA states: "One hearing - One appeal of decision - One opportunity for arbitration."

MAYO (SF panel): D Clarke, S Nallen, K Conroy, K Higgins, C Boyle, A Higgins, L O'Malley, T Cunniffe, P Kelly, BJ Padden, T Howley, D Heaney, J Nallen, R McGarrity, T Parsons, S O'Shea, B Moran, T Mortimer, A Dillon, P Harte, A Kilcoyne, M Mullins, A O'Malley, C Mortimer, A Moran, M Ronaldson, J Gill, P Gardiner, A Campbell.